Raconteur

As a raconteur, you have the task of chronicling everything to maintain a living document from which you persuade, entertain, or deceive the populace through your vivid storytelling prowess. Raconteurs are adept at reading an audience and spinning a tale that captivates the senses to motivate or agitate a crowd. You may be a warrior obsessed with details, or perhaps a curious adventurer/scholar invested in communicating truth, lies or perhaps more subtle rumors to the masses. In general, raconteurs are neutrally aligned falling into one of three variants. Neutral good oriented raconteurs abhor interpretation and creative liberties; their stories are obsessively tuned towards the literal, sequential and accurate documentation of events even at the expense of social or personal detriment. True neutral raconteurs are natural politicians or revolutionaries. These individuals are far less stringent with ‘facts’ yet still value the semblance of truth while advocating a personal stance or political agenda. These individuals prefer a podium or lectern when weaving their tales to maximize exposure of their ideology, but will perform at an inn or tavern if a more public venue is unavailable. Evil raconteurs are rare. These are dangerous, conniving and/or malevolent beings with no respect for the accuracy of their writings and tales; in fact, their malicious tendencies manifest in the intentional bastardization of the truth. The revisionist nature of neutral evil raconteurs spreads like a plague through the masses propagating via rumors, propaganda, slander, libel and/or facetious accusations. These raconteurs often find themselves in the employ of thieves guilds, dictators or warlords leveraging their position to achieve some greater atrocity that only benefits themselves. 

Skill Proficiencies: Performance and Insight & Choose 1: Deception, Intimidation or Persuasion 

Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher’s Supplies

 

Languages: You are fluent in languages of the people. Choose 3: Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, Gnomish, Halfling or Undercommon Consult your DM for campaign appropriate language substitutions.

Equipment: Raconteur's Pack: calligrapher’s supplies, a personal journal, manuscript, dusky satchel, a dagger, staff of adornment, and fine clothes

Suggested Characteristics

Raconteur’s are shaped by their passions and the political, economic or social environments in which they thrive. Those who choose this life are master manipulators whose actions are dictated by their chosen vocation (see ‘Raconteur Specialization’). No two storytellers are alike; the unique nature of this profession lends itself to a haphazard spectrum of motivations and foibles. 

d7	Personality Trait
1	I oft forget to sever my on-stage persona around comrades.
2	I have difficulty disentangling the blurred line between fantasy and reality.
3	I may transcribe my thoughts in a journal to the detriment of my safety.
4	I am illiterate, and consequently shunned by my contemporaries as a fraud.
5	I exhibit a characteristic lisp that adds to recognition at an event.
6	I only perform while inebriated or under the influence of specific psychoactive substances.
7	I view intimate relations with fans of my work as part of the job.

d7	Ideal
1	White lies belie a tainted soul; truth will out! (lawful good)
2	The rule of (insert race) is transient, yet suffused with potential. (neutral good)
3	‘Truth’ is paramount; it is dictated by the whims of social opinion. (chaotic good)
4	I am not beholden to anyone; labels serve only the pious and wicked. (true neutral)
5	Mores and ethos are for children and fools. (lawful evil)
6	Corruption underlies the natural degradation of society. (neutral evil)
7	Madness and self-indulgence indicate a life well-lived. (chaotic evil)

d7	Bond
1	My reputation dictates my behavior.
2	My manuscript and journals represent my legacy; I would sacrifice my life to protect these documents.
3	Partisans and patrons of my work motivate me to explore the unknown and experience the wonders/terrors of our world.
4	I seek treasures forgotten by time; the rarity, power and intrigue of an item delineates the degree of my obsession.
5	The power to manipulate and sculpt the will of others drives me to greater acts of philanthropy or parsimony.
6	The benevolence I model respects the values of my village; harm to family or friends is a slippery slope onto a path of infamy.
7	It is not my reputation but rather my 'congregation' that fuels my exploits; I thrive in an environment of zealotry.

d7	Flaw
1	I am addicted to mind-altering substances and will pursue a fix to the detriment of any relationships.
2	I lose myself in my tales; with each retelling, my sanity slowly slips away.
3	My obsessive nature creates conflict with those whom I travel.
4	My craving for recognition manifests in precarious situations that damage my reputation.
5	I was ensorcelled with an incurable blinding sickness; I am wholly blind.
6	I am easily distracted by a glint of silver or the tarnish of an old urn; my lack of focus makes me reckless.
7	I have an anonymous donor to whom I'm indebted; I would do anything to maintain the status quo.