Private Detective

"Every clue is a thread, every thread a story, and every story a step closer to the truth."
— Rynn Calloway, Famed Investigator

Description

The Private Detective operates in the shadows of society, uncovering truths that others cannot—or dare not—reveal. With sharp observational skills and a methodical mind, you are called upon to solve crimes, locate missing persons, and unravel mysteries. Whether driven by justice, curiosity, or personal vendetta, you straddle the line between legality and morality, guided by your personal code of ethics.

As a Private Detective, you are adept at blending into the background, gathering information, and piecing together clues. You may work alone, collaborate with authorities, or navigate the criminal underworld. Your unique skills and dogged determination make you a trusted ally—or a dangerous adversary.

Attribute Bonuses:

• Two ability scores of your choice increase by +1.

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A weathered magnifying glass etched with a mysterious rune.
2	A pocket watch engraved with the name of a mentor or partner.
3	A small leather-bound notebook filled with cryptic notes.
4	A pair of spectacles that sharpen your focus, despite no optical correction.
5	A bloodstained letter from a case you couldn’t solve.
6	A carved figurine of a raven, symbolizing keen observation.
7	A silver key with no apparent lock to fit.
8	A ring engraved with a symbol of justice or balance.

Using the Private Detective Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Bards, or Rangers who excel in investigation, subterfuge, and moral complexity. Private Detectives thrive on uncovering hidden truths, solving mysteries, and navigating the blurred lines of justice and legality. This background offers rich narrative opportunities for players seeking to embody the role of a determined sleuth in a world of intrigue.

Skill Proficiencies:

• Investigation: To analyze clues and uncover hidden truths.
• Insight: To discern the motives and honesty of others.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Disguise Kit: For creating convincing identities.
• Forgery Kit: To craft or identify falsified documents.

Languages:

• Common
• One additional language, often tied to criminal or diverse networks.

Equipment:

• A set of common clothes, including a long coat or cloak.
• A light crossbow and 20 bolts or a shortbow and quiver with 20 arrows (your choice).
• A disguise kit and forgery kit.
• A notebook for recording findings, along with ink and quills.
• A pouch containing 10 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	"I notice things others overlook, from subtle body language to hidden objects."
2	"I improvise solutions, thinking outside the box with whatever’s at hand."
3	"Once I take on a case, I see it through to the end, no matter the obstacles."
4	"I keep my personal life secret, preferring to remain an enigma."

d3	Ideal
1	Truth: "The truth must always come to light, no matter how painful." (Lawful)
2	Justice: "I seek to hold the guilty accountable for their actions." (Good)
3	Curiosity: "Every mystery is a puzzle waiting to be solved." (Neutral)

d3	Bond
1	"A mentor guided me in my early career, and I owe them a great debt."
2	"I’ve taken on a deeply personal case that I will resolve at any cost."
3	"My notebook holds secrets that could destroy lives if they fell into the wrong hands."

d3	Flaw
1	"I distrust others, believing everyone has something to hide."
2	"I become obsessed with cases, often neglecting my well-being."
3	"I sometimes overstep boundaries, ignoring the law in pursuit of the truth."

Contacts

Private Detective Contacts

Your work has forged connections with allies and informants across society:

• A trusted informant who operates within the criminal underworld.
• A local guard captain who values your skills but questions your methods.
• A journalist eager to publish the truths you uncover.
• A former client who remains indebted to you for solving their case.