Debt Collector (5e Background)
Debt Collector[edit]
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' tools or Forgery kit
Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: A short club, a signet ring, a stack of IOUs, a set of traveler's clothes, and a leather pouch containing 20gp
Feature: The Knocker's Eye[edit]
Your experience in helping debtors pay off their debts by surrendering their possessions has given you a keen eye for valuables. You can tell the street value of any common, uncommon or rare item just by examining it closely, and tell if it's a forgery. You also know who among your old professional contacts will want to buy anything unusual you may find.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
Debt Collectors are pragmatic, sharp-eyed individuals with a nose for opportunity and an unyielding determination to settle accounts. They often have a gruff demeanour but can charm when the situation demands. Their work has taught them the value of trust, both in others and in themselves, though many tread the fine line between justice and exploitation. They tend to respect practicality over sentimentality, and their relationships are often transactional—built on what others owe or can provide.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am no common thief; I have a code. |
| 2 | The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable — or where such things could be hidden. |
| 3 | Nothing rattles me; I have a lie for every occasion. |
| 4 | I love gold but won't cheat a friend. |
| 5 | I've heard every sob story but I always have a soft spot for helping children. |
| 6 | I'm always ready with a disarming complement to get people to reveal information about their possessions. |
| 7 | I'm a friend first and a bailiff second; people find it harder to say no to a friend. |
| 8 | Sometimes you just have to know when to give up... and return later that night. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Justice. It is only right that people settle their debts. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Pragmatism. It's dirty work but somebody has to do it. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Ambition. I'll work my way up to the top, one job at a time. (Any) |
| 4 | Avarice. I'll take what's mine. And yours. (Evil) |
| 5 | Mercenary. When I’m working for you, I am yours. If I’m not, you can expect nothing from me. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Cynicism. Everyone uses others, why should I act any differently? (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'll never work in my home town again, too much suffering has happened there. |
| 2 | My own father died in debtor's prison, and it was me that put him there. |
| 3 | Many of my family are layabouts, and I feel a duty to end this pattern. |
| 4 | I owe my old boss a great debt for molding me into the person I am today. |
| 5 | There is one debtor who has always been one step ahead of me. |
| 6 | I once helped a debtor escape their debt, which could cost me my life if revealed. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'm easily bribed to look the other way. |
| 2 | Depending on the pay, I will do anything for a client. |
| 3 | I love rare objects; if I see one I must have it, even if I know doing so is a bad idea. |
| 4 | I'll pretend to care about people to get what I want, and forget them a minute later. |
| 5 | I take things impulsively, even if they have little value. |
| 6 | I find the excuses people tell me amusing, even when genuine. |
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