Beggar (5e Background)

Beggar

By Jacques Bellange

In the world of haves an have nots, you are most definitely the lowest of the latter. Having little to nothing to offer in return, you ask for others to open their hearts and their wallets to donate to your personal charity. Beggars are hardly uncommon in worlds where inequity exist, and are more rife in worlds where unrest and instability reign. Your days are perhaps passed with glances of apathy, shallow sympathy, or avoidance. You have meager means to get food and water, and nothing much but the clothes on your back and rags. Some beggars have additional tricks up their sleeves, faking injuries to convince some sap to give a little extra. Others try their hand at bussing, giving some performance in hopes for a coin or two.

Why did you start begging? Did you suffer an injury or did you want some extra pocket change? Do you fake an injury or is it real? Have always lived on the streets or were you pushed away by loved ones? Do you live in a shelter now, or just on the streets? Are you squatting anywhere? Whatever the reason, you now rely on people better off than you for help.

Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Sleight of Hand

Tool Proficiencies: Thieves tools, and one gaming set or musical instrument of your choice

Equipment: Worn common cloths with many patches, thieves tools, and a hat with 5 cp.

A Poor Man's Story

Perhaps you weren't always begging. Perhaps you life forced you in that situation. Perhaps it was a choice.

d6	Specialization
1	I used to be a criminal, and my name earns me no honest work now.
2	I lost everything due to loans, and they did take all I had.
3	I wronged my family too much for them to overlook, and they kicked me out.
4	I may have been poor since I was born, but never in my life have I done a misdeed.
5	I left all I had behind, in hopes to get rid of all the fake people in my life.
6	I can't even think all the troubles the rich people go through. I pity them, too.

Feature: An Ignorable Presence

After all this time, you have learned to be ignored, no matter the place you go. As long as you don't steal anything or speak to anyone, your presence is as good as your absence.

Alternate Feature: A Street Rat

Your time on the streets earns you association and habits picked up from the rougher life. You are seen as roughshod and undeserving by those of middle-class and higher, but you find your "friends" among fellow beggars huddled around a fire on a cold day. You have some inherent camaraderie with the others that eke out begging on the street for a poor excuse of a "living." If you need food, they may be willing to share, permitting that they have also eaten. However, they will likely not risk their own hides to save you from some danger.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I always wish someone who leaves money well.
2	I remember everyone who has given alms or spat in my face.
3	I will do anything for even a piece of bread, if I haven't eaten for days.
4	Every copper in the day is another piece of copper in the night.
5	I hide my coins in places people would find either crude or weird.
6	I want to be in no trouble; just to live in peace.
7	I try to collect enough money to stop being poor.
8	Even with the money I get, I try to help others in need.

d6	Ideal
1	Despite my misfortunes I will help others in place of getting out of poverty. (Good)
2	I use my low social position and connections to aid authority's investigations, for a price. (Lawful)
3	I hate the social contract and will subvert it in every way I can, big or small. (Chaotic Neutral)
4	This lifestyle is my choice, I choose freedom over responsibility. (Neutral)
5	I didn't choose this and I will get revenge on the people who betrayed me. Percieved or True. (Evil)
6	We all do what we must to survive this cruel world. (Neutral good)

d6	Bond
1	I owe loyalty to a particular person and I am protecting them from the shadows.
2	I'm a fugitive hiding in plain sight.
3	I can't or choose not to remember my previous life.
4	I have a particular skill that went out of popularity or legality, so now I use it for my own ends.
5	There are voices that guide me to stop tragedy, but I'm afraid people with think I'm insane if I talk about them.
6	I'm trying to find my place in the world.

d6	Flaw
1	I am penchant to gambling and rarely stop until I am in debt.
2	I'm lazy and avoid doing work as much as possible.
3	I lack the self confidance and courage to take on opportunities presented to me.
4	I'm always manage to insult or repulse people, perhaps through a lack of social awareness.
5	I'm naïve and despite having a good work ethic, people take advantage of me.
6	My addictions can be overwhelming and kick me down everytime things start going my way.

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