You have dedicated your life to service, whether in a noble household, a wealthy merchant's estate, a guild hall, or the household of a powerful adventurer. You are well-versed in the customs, duties, and etiquette expected of household staff. Your training and adaptability have prepared you to function in nearly any environment, and people often overlook you, assuming you are simply “part of the scenery.”
- Skill Proficiencies:
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Insight
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Persuasion (or Deception – choose one when selecting this background)
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- Tool Proficiencies:
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One artisan’s tool of your choice (represents household craft or skill)
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One gaming set or one musical instrument (common for entertaining guests)
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- Languages: One language of your choice (learned during your service)
- Equipment:
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A set of fine servant’s clothes
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A memento from your time in service (locket, heirloom tool, letter of reference, or similar)
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A belt pouch containing 10 gp
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Because of your reputation as household staff, you are often trusted in places others cannot go. Nobles, merchants, and adventurers assume you are harmless and reliable. You can secure basic lodging, meals, or temporary work in places where servants are valued. You can also ask discreet questions of other staff, as servants often share information and gossip among themselves.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I keep everything spotless and orderly, no matter the situation. |
| 2 | I know how to stay quiet and unnoticed. |
| 3 | I treat everyone as though they were my master. |
| 4 | I watch and listen more than I speak. |
| 5 | I pride myself on never forgetting a face or a voice. |
| 6 | I fuss over the smallest details, even when it’s not needed. |
| 7 | I instinctively follow a routine, even in the wilderness. |
| 8 | I have a comforting phrase or gesture I use to calm those around me. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loyalty. I would never betray those I serve. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Independence. I serve no one but myself now. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Compassion. My job is to care for others. (Good) |
| 4 | Discretion. Secrets are part of the trade. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Ambition. I aim to rise above my station one day. (Any) |
| 6 | Perfection. Everything I do must be flawless. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I owe everything to the household that raised me. |
| 2 | I keep a token from a master I deeply admired. |
| 3 | I promised a fallen comrade I would protect their loved ones. |
| 4 | I must maintain the reputation of my household at all costs. |
| 5 | I have a younger sibling or friend still in service I must look after. |
| 6 | I seek the truth about a master’s mysterious disappearance or death. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I defer too easily to those in power. |
| 2 | I never speak up for myself. |
| 3 | I hoard small luxuries or valuables when I can. |
| 4 | I can be overly critical of others’ behavior. |
| 5 | I bottle up my emotions until I explode. |
| 6 | I can’t resist eavesdropping on private conversations. |
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