Taverns and Inns proliferate both within the towns and cities that dot the landscape, as well as in waystations between them, becoming the centers of what might become new towns. They are often the hearts of communities, as well as the best place to pick up on news and gossip from far and wide. Whole families are born, love, and die without ever leaving the general confines of their home. Others, however, are so inspired by the tales they hear that they take up the banner of adventure and set out to see the world.
Work with your DM to come up with details of the tavern or inn you hail from. Your family either runs or works at this establishment, or else those who live there took the place of a family you never had. You could also come up with ideas for encounters you had and important personages that you might have met. Almost anyone might stop at such an establishment, and you could as easily have rubbed elbows with a great king or a great villain.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: Either a brewing kit, cooking tools, or a gaming set of your choice.
- Languages: One of your choice.
- Equipment: One set of tools or a gaming set that you’re proficient in, a favorite mug you helped make yourself, a full wineskin of the house specialty, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp
You grew up in an environment where news, gossip, stories, and songs made their way through your field of consciousness with no particular rhyme or reason. Over the course of a Short Rest, you can ask the DM if there’s anything you’ve heard that would pertain to the current adventure. At the DM’s discretion, you may remember lore that will give a hint as to what you’re facing.
Suggested Characteristics
Tavernborn are often shaped by the people around them, a strong sense (or lack thereof) of family and home, and what they learn during their time there. They tend to be driven by wanderlust or a desire to protect those who raised them.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I ask anyone I meet to share their news. |
| 2 | I am a great lover of bardic songs. |
| 3 | I compare all food, ale, or beds to those back at home…usually unfavorably. |
| 4 | I tend to be overly friendly towards strangers. |
| 5 | I tend to hold back and try to blend in, rather than speak my mind. |
| 6 | I can’t resist a good wager. |
| 7 | I have a taste for strong drink…the stronger the better. |
| 8 | I hate being dragged into doing chores that remind me of back home. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Equality. All those high and low still have to break bread together. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Freedom. Everyone should be free to be who they are. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Generosity. There’s always a little to spare for those less fortunate. (Good) |
| 4 | Greed. If people can’t pay, they don’t deserve to be served. (Evil) |
| 5 | Equanimity. Everyone should just mind their own business. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Exploration. Every road leads to somewhere new to be discovered. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The tavern I grew up in is home, and the people who run it are my family. |
| 2 | I will never forgive the harsh master who raised me, so I can’t abide a bully. |
| 3 | I will carry news to those who are stuck where they are. |
| 4 | Someday there will be tales of my deeds told in my home tavern. |
| 5 | I will prove to my childhood sweetheart that I am worthy of love. |
| 6 | Someday, I’ll open a tavern of my own and make it a place worthy of legend. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | Deep down, I despise my humble beginnings and lie to cover for them. |
| 2 | I don’t trust people I don’t know, and I expect them to try and take advantage. |
| 3 | My master said I was stubborn as a mule. |
| 4 | I’ll do anything to win the fame I think I deserve. |
| 5 | My tavern burned down, and I think I was my fault. I can never go home. |
| 6 | I have a gambling problem I’ve never been able to shake. |