Apprentice of Disguise (5e Background)
Apprentice of Disguise[edit]
You spent your life trying to become a master of disguise. You didn't quite reach that, but you studied under the best as their apprentice. You know some tricks of the trade and even may have internalized the quirks of your master. However, you have some ways to go before you can be called a master.
But why are you adventuring now, then, with your apprenticeship incomplete? Did you perhaps believe your skills suited for the open road without further improvement? Did you get in a fight with your master? Perhaps your mentor sent you out to prove yourself in the real world now, pushing you out of the nest; as your final test before you become a master. What do you have to prove with these skills? Do you use them for a quick coin? Perhaps you seek employment as a master spy, even. Apprentices of disguise are seen almost like secondary jesters because they are not true masters. They often live within the shadows of their master. Work with your DM to establish if your master has a reputation and how that may reflect or completely ignore you as their apprentice. What did your master use their skills for and how did they teach you to use them? If your master is famous, you might be seen as a bit more important as well. If they are infamous, then beware for you will also inherit such stigma.
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit
Languages: Any one
Equipment: A disguise kit, a customizable costume with the mark of your mentor, a set of traveler's clothes and a belt pouch with 10 gp.
Specialization[edit]
What sort of disguise did you specialize in? Perhaps you picked this up from your master?
| d4 | Specialization |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make up |
| 2 | Voice simulation |
| 3 | Bodily augmentation |
| 4 | Behavior mimicry |
Feature: Skills in Demand[edit]
As one who is well versed in this craft, you may be sought out for your skills. While you are not the first best choice, you can use your mentor's name as a master of disguise to propel your own brand and gain clientele who seek espionage services and the like kind of jobs that need your expertise of disguising.
Suggested Traits[edit]
As an apprentice of disguise, you have developed an arsenal of variable traits to mix and match to better fit roles you try to mimic. All to suit your own mysterious goal.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I always say one thing and mean another. |
| 2 | I don't like to uphold my promises. |
| 3 | I say and do things completely different. |
| 4 | I keep my emotions under control at all times. |
| 5 | I show only my fake emotions. |
| 6 | I hate to be late for anything. |
| 7 | I never really listen to anyone else talk. |
| 8 | I use a variety of personas, never my true self. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hidden at all costs. I will kill anyone who threatens my identity. (Evil) |
| 2 | For a good cause. I would risk my cover to save an innocent. (Good) |
| 3 | Chameleon I'll become anyone if it helps me fulfill my goals. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Cash. I trade my skills to get rich. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Rule-bound. I use these skills only for the reasons I was taught to. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Self Interest. I learned these skills to use for myself. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I need to provide for my family, but they cannot know it's me. |
| 2 | I have worn so many faces I forget who I am. |
| 3 | I have fallen for someone who doesn't know the real me. |
| 4 | I don't have anyone. |
| 5 | My master was my only family. |
| 6 | I had friends among other apprentices. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I sometimes over-commit to the role, hindering my own goals |
| 2 | I often forget which persona I am. |
| 3 | I've told too many lies that I don't know the truth. |
| 4 | I don't take anything seriously. |
| 5 | I think only of my wants. |
| 6 | I believe I can do more than I really can. |
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