Skald

Skalds travel and fight alongside great warriors, witnessing their battles and composing epic poems that proclaimed their exploits to all. They were just as renowned for their prowess as combatants as they were for their skill as orators. They believed their greatest contribution to the ages was the composition of an epic poem, detailing epic battles or the history of their people. Skalds are viewed with great respect that bordered on reverence in tribal societies. Exploratory and war parties took great joy in having a skald travel alongside them, looking forward to having their deeds in battle immortalized in the form of poetry. Skalds also have important responsibilities that come with their abilities. Skalds are the primary recorders of their clans' histories and oral traditions.

Skill Proficiencies: History and Performance

Tool Proficiencies: One gaming set unique to your tribe or clan

Languages: Celestial, the language of the ancestors.

Equipment: The gaming set you are proficient in, a set of traveler's clothes, an heirloom or trinket from your clan, 5gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Skalds love to spin a good story and will not hesitate to do so if given the opportunity. They typically love to experience and witness new adventures, weaving these experiences into new tales to someday bring back to their clan. This desire for adventure can sometimes make them reckless, as there aren't very many interesting stories about people running away.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I know a story relevant to almost very situation
2	Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip.
3	I see omens in every event and action. The ancestors try to speak to us, we just need to listen to them.
4	I can find common ground between the fiercest of enemies, empathizing with them and always working towards peace.
5	I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society as a skald and rough living grates on me.
6	Sarcasm and insults are my weapon of choice.
7	Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension.
8	I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other cultures and respect (or condemn) their customs and beliefs.

d6	Ideal
1	Tradition: The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are (Lawful)
2	Hospitality: People need to be treat each other with dignity and compassion. (Good)
3	Independence: I am free spirit – nobody tells me what to do. (Chaotic)
4	Aspiration: I work to be the best that I can be at my craft (Any)
5	Honor: If I dishonor myself, I dishonor my whole culture. (Lawful)
6	Respect: Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve my respect in turn (Good).

d6	Bond
1	My family, clan, or tribe is the most important thing to me in my life, even when they are far from me.
2	My instrument is my most treasured possession and it reminds of someone or something that I love.
3	I am the last of my tribe or clan and it is up to me to insure that their names enter into legend.
4	I suffer awful visions of a coming disaster and will do anything to prevent it.
5	I know an ancient lay that holds terrible secrets that must not fall into the wrong hands.
6	I seek to preserve an ancient lay that my enemies wish forgotten and seek to erase from memory

d6	Flaw
1	I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely.
2	A scandal prevents me from ever going home again, that sort of trouble seems to follow me around.
3	I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake I will likely repeat.
4	I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble.
5	I’ll do anything to win fame and renown.
6	I remember every insult I’ve received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who’s ever wronged me.

Contacts

You can easily gain audience with your clan's leaders and decision makers.

d1	Contact
1	You can easily gain audience with your clan's leaders and decision makers.