Either from birth, or later in life, you lived among the circus or carnival folk, traveling from place to place and entertaining the masses. Your act may have been one of flashy tricks and daring feats, or a more subtle performance of the mystic and mysterious, but either way, you learned what people wanted and how to give it to them... in a way that landed a few extra coins in your pockets, of course.
However, the life of a traveling circus or carnival member does not only provide one with the ability to entertain, but also the ability to see people and communities for what they really are, as you are always on the outside of all of them except for one: your family of freaks. Watching from the outside allows a certain perspective that not many get, and also means that sometimes the target of unjust treatment and cruelty is you. Because of this, and the sometimes unreliable occupation, you've likely picked up a few cons, however big or small they may be, to make you some extra copper or silver when not under the tent. Maybe you're a simple pickpocket, or your con is a more extensive one. Either way, it keeps the extra coin coming in.
- Ability Scores: Dexterity, Charisma, Intelligence
- Feat: Skilled
- Skill Proficiencies: Performance and Choose a Skill
- Tool Proficiencies: Choose one kind of Gaming Set
- Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) 2 Daggers, Gaming Set, Traveler’s Clothes, 2 Pouches, Costume, [items]Simple Weapon[/items,]the favor of an admirer (love letter, lock of hair, or trinket),16 GP; or (B) 50 GP
In the circus there are many different kind of performers and with that come many different kinds of performances. some like to dazzle the crowd with amazing while other want to make them concerned with death defying feats.Choose a role or roll on the table below.
| d12 | Circus Speciality |
|---|---|
| 1 | Acrobat |
| 2 | Aerialist |
| 3 | Contortionist |
| 4 | Clown |
| 5 | Escapologist |
| 6 | Fire Performer |
| 7 | Knife/Axe Thrower |
| 8 | Lion Tamer |
| 9 | Ring Leader |
| 10 | Strongman |
| 11 | Sword Dancer |
| 12 | Sword Swallower |
As a Circus performer you've traveled around and learned many different things from both the other circus performers and strangers you met while travelling around because of this you know the Skilled feat.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip. |
| 2 | I love the spotlight. Everyone, look at me! |
| 3 | Give me a drink and I'm your friend. |
| 4 | I'm always humming an old tune from my past. |
| 5 | I left my old home to join the circus and I will never go back. |
| 6 | I dislike having so many people attention on me... even though that's my job. |
| 7 | I was forced to join the circus and once I escape I will forever be on the run. |
| 8 | I'm lucky like you wouldn't believe, That's why I'm good at what I do. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loyal. I never rat out anyone from the circus, even when promised a reward. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Expression. Music, joy, and laughter (even if they are laghing at me) they are the keys to freedom. (Good) |
| 3 | People. I like seeing the smiles on people's faces when I perform. That's all that matters. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Freedom. Everyone should be free to go anywhere they want And I can go anywhere being in a Travelling Circus. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Greed. I'm only in it for the money and fame. (Evil) |
| 6 | Aspiration. I'm going to prove that I'm worthy of being part of the circus. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | A circus performer helped save me from a bad home and I intend to pay them back. |
| 2 | The circus is my home and the performers are my family. |
| 3 | I'm grateful for the ringmaster, because he gave me a purpose when didn't know what to do. |
| 4 | Someone taught me what makes me special at the circus and i would love to thank them with whatever I can. |
| 5 | I carry a trinket that spiritually and emotionally ties me to my people and my home even when the circus take me far away. |
| 6 | I want to be famous, whatever it takes. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I don't feel like I belong, nor do i feel as special as the rest of the performers. |
| 2 | My past seems to constantly follow me and that's why I'm always on the move. |
| 3 | I'm a kleptomaniac who covets shiny, sparkling treasure. I can't help myself. |
| 4 | I'll do anything to win fame and renown. |
| 5 | I enjoy the open road. Underground and tight spaces make me very nervous. |
| 6 | I like to explore, and my curiosity will sometimes get me into trouble. |
While some Circuses use their skills to Entertain you use yours to distract and con your audience to get a little cash then the average circus performer would. A plus with Being part a a travelling circus as well is once the towns folk grow suspicious you can just pack everything up and repeat the process somewhere else.
You being a thief know when to work with other thieves to get more money and when to pack up and run and you have had time to hone your skills on how to steal from a variety of people without being noticed, because of this you have the Alert feat have you have proficiency in Sleight of Hand.
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