From the bustling streets of grand cities to the quiet corners of taverns in distant lands, your life has always been tied to the rhythm of song. Whether trained in the elegant halls of a bardic college or self-taught through hard-earned experience, music has been your true calling. As a musician, you’ve mastered the art of captivating audiences with melodies that can soothe weary souls, inspire bravery, or bring tears to the eyes of even the hardest-hearted individuals. You wander from place to place, carrying with you the stories of distant realms, immortalizing legends in the form of songs and ballads.
But music for you is more than entertainment—it is a powerful force, a form of magic in its own right. You’ve learned that the right note, struck at the right time, can change the course of fate itself. Now, your talents have drawn you into adventures that will test not only your skill as a musician but also your courage as a hero. Will your melodies be remembered for generations to come, or will they fade into obscurity with the passing of time?
- Skill Proficiencies: As a musician, you have honed skills that allow you to thrive in both performance and social interactions. You gain proficiency in:
- Performance: Your ability to entertain and captivate audiences with music, storytelling, or other artistic displays is second to none. Whether playing an instrument, singing, or acting, you have a natural talent for enthralling others.
- Persuasion: Your charisma and charm, honed from countless encounters with patrons, nobles, and strangers, allow you to influence and convince others. You know how to play to the emotions of your audience, both in music and conversation.
- Tool Proficiencies: Your life as a musician has granted you expertise with certain tools essential to your craft. You gain proficiency in:
- One type of musical instrument: Choose one instrument, such as the lute, flute, drum, violin, or any other instrument that fits your character’s musical style. You have mastered the art of playing this instrument and can use it to charm, inspire, or entertain others.
- Calligrapher’s supplies (optional): Many musicians compose their own music or transcribe songs and stories for future generations. You are proficient in the delicate art of writing music and notes with precision and elegance.
- Languages: As a musician, you've encountered diverse audiences and traveled far and wide, learning to communicate across cultural boundaries. You gain proficiency in:
- Two languages of your choice: Whether learned from performing in distant lands, mingling with foreign nobles, or playing in the marketplaces of bustling cities, you’ve picked up various languages to better connect with those who listen to your music. These languages could represent the regions you've traveled through or the cultures you’ve encountered.
- Equipment: Your life as a musician has equipped you with the tools necessary to create music, tell stories, and earn your way through the world. You start with the following items:
- A musical instrument of your choice (one you are proficient with)
- A love letter (or a set of fan mail) from an admirer or a loyal fan, reminding you of your influence as a performer
- A set of traveler’s clothes suitable for both comfort and appearance during performances
- A belt pouch containing 15 gold pieces (earned through performances and tips)
- A journal or notebook containing musical compositions, lyrics, or notes for future performances
The Songwriter/Instrument Player table reflects key moments in your journey as a musician, focusing on your experiences in crafting songs and mastering instruments. Roll a d10 or choose from the table to reveal a significant event that has influenced your musical path.
Each entry on this table encapsulates a milestone or experience that shapes your identity as a songwriter or instrumentalist, offering insights into your character’s style, relationships, and growth as a performer. These moments can inspire your adventures and interactions with others, as well as serve as hooks for storytelling in your campaign.
Your life as a musician has allowed you to form connections with other artists, performers, and influential individuals across various regions. You have a network of contacts that can assist you in your travels, whether it’s finding a place to perform, gaining information about local happenings, or receiving aid in times of need.
Whenever you enter a new city or town, you can make a special effort to seek out a tavern, inn, or performance hall where you can play. By doing so, you can establish rapport with the locals, which may grant you advantages when trying to gather information or gain access to exclusive events or places.
Additionally, you can use your musical talents to charm or entertain, giving you a way to diffuse tense situations or gain favor with NPCs.
Spell List
As a musician, your connection to magic is woven through the melodies and harmonies you create. Music can evoke powerful emotions, inspire bravery, and even alter the fabric of reality itself. Through your craft, you can tap into a reservoir of arcane energy that enhances your performances and allows you to cast spells that resonate with your audience and allies. Your musical talents serve as the foundation for your spellcasting, granting you a unique way to influence the world around you.
| Spell Level | Spells |
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The spells associated with your musician background are not just mere incantations; they are an extension of your artistry. Each note you play and each word you sing carries the potential to weave magic into the very air, allowing you to charm, heal, and inspire those who hear you.
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Bardic Inspiration: Your most notable spell is the ability to inspire your allies through your music. With a simple performance, you can bolster their spirits, granting them a temporary boost in their abilities when they need it most.
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Charm and Persuasion: Many of your spells revolve around charm effects, enabling you to influence the emotions and actions of those around you. Whether soothing a crowd or captivating an audience, your music can change hearts and minds.
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Healing Melodies: You possess spells that can heal wounds and restore vigor, channeling the restorative properties of music to mend both physical and emotional scars.
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Illusions and Performance: Your ability to create visual and auditory illusions through spells like Silent Image or Minor Illusion adds flair to your performances, allowing you to tell stories that come alive before your audience's eyes.
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Fear and Awe: Your music can also instill fear in your enemies, using spells like Dissonant Whispers to cause them to flee or lose their composure in the face of your powerful performances.
Suggested Characteristics
Personality Traits
- I find beauty in everything: Every moment, no matter how mundane, has a song waiting to be discovered.
- I often speak in song lyrics: I love to incorporate my favorite lines into conversation, even when it's not appropriate.
- I’m always looking for inspiration: Whether it’s a sunset, a passing conversation, or a heartfelt story, I can’t help but be on the lookout for new material.
- I’m a natural performer: I thrive on the attention of others and find it hard to resist showing off my talents.
Ideals
- Creativity: Art and music are the highest forms of expression. I strive to push the boundaries of my craft.
- Connection: Music brings people together. I believe in the power of song to unite even the most divided souls.
- Legacy: I want my songs to be remembered long after I’m gone. I aspire to create something that transcends time.
- Freedom: The road is my home, and I reject any form of restriction or confinement.
Bonds
- I have a mentor or muse: There’s someone who taught me everything I know about music, and I owe them my success.
- My instrument is my most treasured possession: It has been with me through thick and thin, and I’ll do anything to protect it.
- I have a loyal fan: One person in particular supports me no matter what, and I can always count on them for encouragement.
- I want to reunite with a lost love: A past romance haunts my songs, and I hope to find them again someday.
Flaws
- I’m overly dramatic: I can’t help but make a scene, even when it’s unnecessary or inappropriate.
- I can’t resist a good story: I often find myself getting lost in the tales of others, sometimes to my own detriment.
- I tend to be forgetful: With so much going on in my mind, I sometimes forget important details, including names and appointments.
- I’m a bit of a perfectionist: I can be overly critical of my own performances, which sometimes hinders my creativity.
Contacts
As a musician, you have forged numerous connections with individuals across various realms and communities. Your performances have not only earned you fans but also allies, mentors, and fellow artists who share your passion for music and storytelling. These contacts can provide invaluable support in your adventures.
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Fellow Musicians: You have companions in the world of music—bards, minstrels, and performers who can collaborate with you, share resources, or join you in performances. They understand the trials and triumphs of your craft and can offer advice or support during difficult times.
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Local Patrons: Your talent has caught the attention of wealthy patrons and influential figures in the places you've performed. They might offer you financial support, provide you with opportunities to perform at exclusive events, or grant you access to their social circles, which can open doors in your travels.
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Tavern Owners and Innkeepers: Your regular performances in taverns and inns have built relationships with owners and staff, who can offer you free room and board, information about the local area, or even help you find your next gig. They are likely to be loyal allies, eager to help you continue your musical journey.
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Cultural Leaders: You may have connected with community leaders or cultural icons who appreciate your work. These individuals can serve as mentors or advisors, providing you with insights into the history and stories of the regions you visit, which can inspire your songs and performances.
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Admirers and Fans: A dedicated following of fans has formed around your music, including individuals who seek to support you on your travels. These admirers can help spread the word about your performances, offer assistance in tough situations, or even provide a network of connections wherever you go.
As a Troubadour, your life revolves around storytelling through song. You travel from place to place, sharing tales of love, valor, and tragedy, using your music to inspire or entertain those you encounter. Unlike other musicians who may focus solely on instrument mastery or songwriting, you blend both elements seamlessly, often composing songs that resonate deeply with the emotions of your audience.
Your experiences as a troubadour have allowed you to cultivate a deep understanding of various cultures and their stories. You can adapt your performances to reflect local legends and folklore, making you a beloved figure in every town you visit. With your knack for storytelling and a charismatic presence, you have a unique ability to forge connections with others, turning even the most mundane gatherings into memorable events.
As a Troubadour, your songs and stories carry weight and influence. When you perform a ballad that tells the story of a local hero or a significant event in the community, you can inspire those who hear it.
Once per long rest, when you perform this ballad, you can grant allies within 30 feet a bonus on their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of +1). Additionally, your performance may sway public opinion, allowing you to gain favor with local nobles or common folk who resonate with the themes of your song.
Your connection to the audience is profound; you can charm or persuade them more easily, granting you advantage on Persuasion checks made while performing in front of a crowd.
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