The minstrels of Athas are entertainers to the wealthy and powerful elite of the city-states. Singers, acrobats, poets, dancers, and storytellers, minstrels tour the cities of Athas in troupes or individually, making a living with their wits and talents. The civilized peoples of Athas have long celebrated minstrels, and by tradition all but the poorest or most suspicious of hosts are proud to open their doors to traveling performers. Hosting a minstrel or sponsoring a troupe’s performance reflects well on the host, and most Athasians are eager to forget their troubles with a few hours of song and dance. Nobles often send troupes of minstrels to one another as gifts; it is seen as a great insult to refuse such a gift, even when all involved know that minstrels are often spies or assassins.

Skill Proficiencies: Performance, Deception

Tool Proficiencies: Any one musical instrument, Poisoner's Kit

Languages: You can read and write any language you can speak.

Equipment: A poisoner's kit, a musical instrument, a vial, a costume, a vial of antitoxin, and a pouch containing 15 ceramic coins

Suggested Characteristics

All minstrels are skilled performers or artists. Naturally, many are bards. However, you might be an a rogue who conceals your true talents with dancing or juggling, a wizard specializing in tricks of the mind, or even a fighter whose musical ability is secondary to your talent for teaching young nobles how to look after themselves.

d6	Personality Trait
1	Proximity to power is going to be the key to my success and fortune!
2	I am a true artist in everything I do.
3	I grew up with nothing and now nobles invite me into their homes. There's a sucker born every minute.
4	I was put here not only to put good things into the world, but to take the bad things out.
5	The only thing I won't butcher is a song.
6	A strong moral view only complicates things.