A strongman is as much an entertainer as any minstrel or circus performer, trained to make the sport of muscle into a spectacle the crowd can enjoy. This kind of momentous movement is your entertainer routine, though you might also have some skills as a performer or actor.
This is a Variant of the Gladiator Background.
- Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Athletics
- Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's Supplies, one type of musical instrument
- Equipment: An inexpensive but unusual weapon, one that shows prowess in your stature, the favor of an admirer (love letter, lock of hair, or trinket), a costume, and a pouch containing 15 gp
You can always find a place to perform in any place that features physical spectacle for entertainment — perhaps a gladiatorial arena or secret pit fighting club. 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
Training for strongman involves building overall strength in the gym and training with competition implements to gain familiarity.
| 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. |
| 5 | I love a good insult, even one directed at me. |
| 6 | I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention. |
| 7 | I’ll settle for nothing less than perfection. |
| 8 | I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good) |
| 2 | Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greed. I’m only in it for the money and fame. (Evil) |
| 5 | People. I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I perform. That’s all that matters. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Honesty. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone I love. |
| 2 | Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back. |
| 3 | I want to be famous, whatever it takes. |
| 4 | I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person’s. |
| 5 | I will do anything to prove myself superior to my hated rival. |
| 6 | I would do anything for the other members of my old troupe. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’ll do anything to win fame and renown. |
| 2 | I’m a sucker for a pretty face. |
| 3 | A scandal prevents me from ever going home again. That kind of trouble seems to follow me around. |
| 4 | I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake that I will likely repeat. |
| 5 | I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble. |
| 6 | Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends. |
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