You have spent years running or working in a tavern, inn, or bar, serving drinks, listening to stories, and keeping the peace. You’ve seen all manner of folk come through your doors—from weary travelers to dangerous criminals—and you’ve learned how to handle them all. Whether you were the owner of a well-respected inn, a barkeep at a rowdy dive, or a simple server keeping the drinks flowing, you’ve picked up skills that make you more than just a common tavern worker.
- Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Insight
- Tool Proficiencies: Brewer’s Supplies, one gaming set
- Languages: One of your choice (You’ve picked up bits of conversation from travelers and regulars over the years.)
- Equipment: A tankard from your old workplace or a bar rag you keep out of habit, a ledger or notebook filled with debts, drink recipes, or overheard gossip, Clothes, common, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Your reputation as a tavern worker gives you an advantage when dealing with common folk. You can usually find free lodging and meals at inns or taverns in settlements, provided you offer stories, advice, or help for a short time. Additionally, you can easily pick up gossip, rumors, and local news from the patrons, as people tend to open up after a few drinks.
Your presence in an establishment also tends to attract those who want to talk—be it adventurers, criminals, or merchants—giving you an easier time finding work, fences, or informants. If you spend at least an hour talking to locals in a tavern, you can usually learn about ongoing conflicts, notable figures, or opportunities in the area.
Suggested Characteristics
Much like the Entertainer, a Tavern Keeper has a mix of charm, grit, and street smarts.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I know a story relevant to almost every situation. |
| 2 | I keep my ear to the ground and know who's who in town. |
| 3 | I never start a fight, but I sure as hell finish one. |
| 4 | Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension. |
| 5 | I can talk my way out of (or into) almost anything. |
| 6 | I treat everyone like a guest until they prove otherwise. |
| 7 | I always have a drink ready, for myself or a friend. |
| 8 | I believe there’s no problem a stiff drink and a good meal can’t solve. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hospitality. Everyone deserves a warm place to stay and a good meal. (Good) |
| 2 | Community. A town is only as strong as its people, and I do my part to keep them together. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Freedom. The tavern is a place where all can gather, no matter their past. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Profit. There’s always coin to be made when people are drinking and talking. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Loyalty. The regulars are like family, and I protect my own. (Any) |
| 6 | Truth. A bartender hears more honest confessions than a priest—secrets deserve respect. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My old tavern is my home, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect it. |
| 2 | I have a regular who went missing, and I intend to find out what happened. |
| 3 | I still owe a debt to someone who helped me start my business. |
| 4 | My family runs a famous inn, and I need to uphold their legacy. |
| 5 | A powerful figure once trusted me with a secret, and I’ve kept it safe ever since. |
| 6 | My establishment burned down, and I’m searching for the one responsible. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I can’t help but gossip—I know too much to keep my mouth shut. |
| 2 | I have a weakness for a good drink and a charming smile. |
| 3 | I can’t stand rude people and tend to make enemies quickly. |
| 4 | I still carry a grudge against someone who wronged me years ago. |
| 5 | I let my guard down too easily, assuming the best in people. |
| 6 | I always think I can handle a fight, even when I can’t. |
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