When kings negotiate alliances or merchants order goods from far away, communication over very long distances is necessary, and that is where you come in. As a messenger, you are responsible for safely and discreetly delivering the letters or items you are entrusted with. You might work for a commercial firm, or be employed by a government. Independent messengers are rare as they lack credibility.
- Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land)
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of traveler's clothes, a scroll case containing a letter you were tasked to deliver and your document of identification, a hooded lantern and a flask of oil, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Recipient
The letter in your equipment package implies that you currently have an errand that has yet to be finished. Think about who that letter is for, or roll on the table below. Maybe you are currently on your way to delivering the letter, or something prevents you from doing so—for example, the recipient could have died or disappeared.
| d8 |
Recipient |
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1
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The lord of a secluded province
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2
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A wealthy merchant in a big city
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3
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A priest living in a far-flung monastery
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4
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A scientist at a renowned university
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5
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The commander of a military garrison
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6
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A high-ranking government official
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7
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A king or queen, or one of their advisors
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8
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You've just got a name, and a location somewhere in the middle of nowhere
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Feature: Diplomatic Neutrality
When interacting with participants of a political conflict, you can invoke your neutrality as a messenger in order to be granted passage or avoid being harmed or captured. This right is forfeit if you actively take part in the conflict beyond self-defense, and your claim is only credible as long as you can provide proof of your mission. Exploiting this feature might also get you into trouble with your employer.
Suggested Characteristics
Messengers, are used to travel a lot, never staying in one place long. This might result in being somewhat detached, but it might also mean that they know especially well what it means to have a place to call home.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I love meeting new people and exchanging gossip.
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2
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I enjoy telling stories of my past errands.
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3
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I come and go like the wind—my feet get itchy if I stay in one place too long.
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4
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I always make the impression of being in a hurry.
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5
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I like having a souvenir from every place I visit.
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6
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Finding excuses and making up reasons is something I've become quite good at by now.
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7
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I won't insist on my opinion if giving in means getting what I want or getting away.
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8
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I have learned the value of the ability to hide your feelings effectively.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Professionalism. I always deliver, and I never peek at a letter's contents. (Lawful)
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2
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Independence. I'm a messenger so I can travel anywhere I want. (Chaotic)
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3
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Power. I exploit my credibility to steal valuable secrets. (Evil)
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4
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People. Every letter I deliver is important to someone, and I won't let them down. (Good)
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5
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Aloofness. The content of my deliveries is not my concern as long as I get paid. (Neutral)
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6
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Aspiration. I want to build myself a reputation as a reliable messenger. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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There is a noble or merchant that regularly uses my services.
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2
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I once assisted in negotiations between two warring countries or towns.
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3
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I once found out that one of my clients was a criminal, but couldn't or wouldn't do anything.
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4
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Every so often, I go back to my home town or village between errands to visit my family.
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5
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When I have saved enough money, I will buy some land and finally settle down.
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6
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I once got involved in a conspiracy that's yet to be unraveled.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I quickly cast people aside once they begin to bore me—and that is usually quite soon.
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2
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I always take care to be on my way again before things get ugly, no matter whom I leave behind.
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3
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What matters to me is only the result—if I have to kill to get the job done, I will.
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4
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When I have for once time to spend in a settlement, I enjoy its comforts a little too much.
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5
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While on an errand, I don't care about anything else, however important it may be.
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6
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My reputation, real or imagined, has made me terribly arrogant.
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