Nobles, politicians, criminals, the common man; hell, maybe even an orc or two. At some point in your life, you have been with all manner of society's finest and worst through your profession. Your profession, whether through freedom of choice, or a cruel twist of unfortunate events, is one that utilizes a very specific set of skills: the art of seduction. Though your circumstances may be unfortunate, you use them to your advantage. Whether it is using your body to persuade a client to change their mind on an issue, using your unique skill set to distract clients while you steal from right under their noses, or even playing the part of a cheap assassin. When making a character with this background ask yourself these question: What led your character to these circumstances? Was it a twisted and unfortunate fate? Or was it a vocation of choice? How much do you charge for your services? Are you self employed, or do you work under a pimp? Where do you work? Where is your place of work? These are the questions you must consider and consider wisely, for they will shape your character, in the beginning of their journey at least.
- Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Insight
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes (designed for your profession), soap, perfume, an exotic, or otherwise eye-catching, piece of jewelry or simple instrument (such as a tambourine, castanets, finger cymbals or bell-covered anklet), a coin pouch containing 15 gp total in various currencies, and a small gilded mirror.
You know how to use your body to get what you need. You belong to a community of "night workers" who should accept you into their company if ever you find a friendly brothel. If you are willing to work for the night, the house of favors should be able to provide you with the latest gossip and intrigue as well as a who's who of the area. While working this way, you are given comfortable lodging for yourself and, at your DM's discretion, may be able to happen upon helpful information from your suitors.
Suggested Characteristics
Courtesans professions bring them into contact with many walks of life as brothels are often the first stop for weary adventurers as well as common entertainment-spots for nobility and merchants with money to burn. As such, courtesans are often more worldly and well learned than their position in life might otherwise suggest due to their wide, and often personal, exposure to all walks of life. They understand the value of discretion but often leave themselves vulnerable and exposed as a result of being accessible to many.
| d10 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am highly flamboyant; I like to exaggerate my movements and mannerisms. |
| 2 | My speech is like a switch; I speak either very warmly or very coldly to anyone. |
| 3 | I am unafraid to get up-close and "personal" with some people or situations. |
| 4 | I keep silent about any shortcomings I may be experiencing. I can't stand being pitied. |
| 5 | I am extremely flirtatious, even with friends. |
| 6 | I prefer to leave things finished, rather then let bygones be bygones. |
| 7 | I am quite hesitant to name my profession when asked about it. |
| 8 | I leave work at work. I am the picture of chastity while out on my own time. |
| 9 | I am open, and talk proudly and at length about my profession. |
| 10 | My clients treat me like a celebrity, why shouldn't the rest of the world? |
| d5 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom. People are too ashamed of basic pleasures. Everyone should be free to pursue their own happiness (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Charity. My talents make people happy. I use my gifts to bring pleasure to others, more so than money to myself. (Good) |
| 3 | Avarice. My talents make me money. That's the bottom line. (Evil) |
| 4 | Tradition. Everyone's role is necessary to make a community function. I don't want to see things change because I like the way things are. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Diligence. I work every day to be the best that there is at my craft. (Neutral) |
| d12 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The person who took me under their wing to teach me the ropes is my mentor and I will always look up to them. |
| 2 | I have a special relationship with one of my first/one of my best clients. |
| 3 | A fellow courtesan has always seen me as a rival and we are in constant competition. |
| 4 | My job has put me in the middle of a love triangle involving dangerous and powerful people. |
| 5 | I am in love with somebody that I cannot have. |
| 6 | The newer and less experienced members of my House look up to me and I must guide and protect them. |
| 7 | I am highly skeptical when someone offers me something without asking for anything in return. |
| 8 | I don't concern myself with the turmoil spawned from other's problems. |
| 9 | I know a secret about one of my clients that could cost me my life if revealed. |
| 10 | I came from a powerful family, but they have completely disowned me. |
| 11 | My clients are all I have. |
| 12 | I have a child, and I would do anything for them. |
| d10 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I learn a lot of secrets and I can be a terrible gossip. |
| 2 | Nobles only associate with me when they are paying me, and there isn't much I wouldn't do to walk among nobility all the time. |
| 3 | I don't know how to "turn off" the charm, even when flirting is wildly inappropriate. |
| 4 | I can only go so long without sating my carnal desires. |
| 5 | I am self sufficient now, but I grew up on the streets and sometimes my inner "street-rat" shows. |
| 6 | Despite my own ability to read people, I myself am very easily read by others. |
| 7 | If someone has some kind of debt over me, I feel obligated to fulfill said debt no matter what. |
| 8 | I sometimes wish that others would -- or expect for others to -- take care of my problems. |
| 9 | Depending on the pay, I will do anything for a client. |
| 10 | I love presents or gifts, and cannot refuse one, even if I know doing so is a bad idea. |
Your experiences with every creature have taught you how to use your tempting looks and inviting attitude to bring anyone of either gender in your embrace. You can call upon a creature that can see and hear you, and gain its attention without it suspecting something (other than what you offer).
During your work, you've come across some truly twisted stuff, both people's actions and the people themselves. Some of which you experienced much more closely than you'd probably have preferred. As such, precious little truly shocks you anymore. You tend to remain relatively calm and rational through events and scenes that leave others sick to their stomach.
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