Barber (5e Background)

This content deviates from 5e standards. Its use could dramatically alter campaigns, take extreme care.

Caution - Here there be monsters! This content intends to provide a different experience, or goes beyond the scope of the anticipated subjects and situations, than the 5e rules were intended to handle. Some portions of the content below may not be what you expect from traditional game content. When implementing this content, DMs and Players should read over all the information carefully, and consider the following specific notes of interest:

I think the OP conflated an occupation with a background.

Barber

Sweeney Todd (2007)

So you cut hair for a living. You handle the tools and such, possibly within your own shop. Hitting the road, you no longer have that established security. Maybe you left to go find more clients. Perhaps some bank closed you out of business. Whatever the reason, you retain your craft with dignity on the road and work where you can find it.

A barber is typically meticulous. They want their clients looking their best. So when they end up with a bad hair day after an appointment, chances are that you didn't like them. Barbers have an eye for detail and things out of place, be it a strand of loose hair or a murder weapon. Since this is more of a job than an actual background, consider additional supplements to properly flesh out your character.

Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Sleight of Hand

Tool Proficiencies: Barber's Tools

Languages: Any one of your choice

Equipment: Barber's tools, a set of common clothes, a thin blanket, 3 fastener pins, and a pouch containing 5 gp.

Gossip

People really do talk often to their barbers and stylists. It's too awkward otherwise to just sit as you get trimmed and prettied up. Different types of gossip float around different barbers.

d4	Gossip
1	Housewives Prattle
2	Local News
3	Underworld Whispers
4	Privileged Information

Feature: Barber Tools

Because of the known nature of your job requiring sharp objects, it is almost expected that you carry with you this kind of tool. As such, guards and any other sentries who are aware of your occupation are lenient on you when you carry weapons like daggers and shortswords. They feel less antsy with you having those kinds of weapons, and will assume it is probably for your work. Therefore, they are also less likely to confiscate your "tools".

Suggested Characteristics

Because this is mainly a job, you have a lot of freedom regarding what kind of barber you want to have as a character.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I like to just throw myself into work.
2	I prefer to listen rather than talk.
3	I am an easy-going laborer.
4	I like everything done only my way.
5	I prefer that everyone keep their hands to themselves and their own belongings.
6	If you can't pay in full, don't ask.
7	I often appear deep in thought as I work.
8	I make a lot of psychotic faces.

d6	Ideal
1	Career. A job is fulfillment. (Any)
2	Happiness. If my customer leaves happy, I'm happy. (Good)
3	Conversation. Is it a bad thing to live for gossip? (Neutral)
4	Demon Barber. I like to cut things... (Evil)
5	Payment. I'm expecting compensation no more no less than the service I rendered. (Lawful)
6	Prankster. I can make you look bad or good as I please! (Chaotic)

d6	Bond
1	I treat all my customers like family.
2	There is one client I hope to get close to...
3	Patrons are to be treated in a professional manner at all times.
4	People seem to me sometimes as just mounds of hair and fleshy bags of blood that can scream.
5	Everyone is essentially a medium for me to express my art through!
6	My reputation must never be besmirched.

d6	Flaw
1	I am far too invested in my work to care about anything else...
2	WHAT CAN I SAY EXCEPT YOU'RE WELCOME~
3	So I like cutting people.
4	After I'm paid I forget the guy's name already.
5	I am such a chatterbox.
6	I lack the nerve to look anyone in the eye.

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