D&D 2024 Backgrounds - Barkeep
The barkeep at the local tavern knows all their customers by name, has the latest gossip, and can provide a shoulder to cry on when your fellow party members fall to a horde of kobolds. They are a valuable source of information for many campaigns. Treat them well, and they will take care of you beyond just filling your cup with ale. However, if you cross them, they might either dismiss you as someone unworthy of their time or, at worst, have you thrown out of their establishment—usually not in a gentle manner.
This is just one of the Tavern Backgrounds available on our Patreon. You can also find background PDFs for the Lounge Singer, Bouncer, Gambler, and even the Exotic Dancer there.
Barkeep Background
Ability Scores: Charisma, Constitution, Wisdom
Feat: Raise Spirits
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Brewer's Supplies
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Brewer's Supplies, Flask of Oil, Jug, Tinderbox, Traveler’s Clothes, 22 gp, or (B) 50 gp
Description
The path to becoming a barkeep is as colorful as the taverns they run and the people who visit your establishment. Perhaps you inherited the family inn, spending your formative years learning the trade alongside your family. Some barkeeps take on the role as a calling, offering food, drink, and camaraderie to weary adventurers and townsfolk alike. Others see it as a strategic position, gathering information and secrets while pouring ale and defusing fights with a sharp wit or a strong arm. Or maybe it was as simple as a way to earn a living, supporting yourself with the generous coins people tipped you.
A barkeep wears many hats: as a sympathetic ear, a source of information and gossip, and someone who knows your drink and has it ready as soon as you sit down. They know how to read people, understanding unspoken desires and hidden tensions, and are often the first to hear rumors that can change the course of history. But it’s more than just slinging ale and listening to people’s woes. Barroom brawls, shady patrons, and emotional drunk customers are all part of their lives. Whether they wield their charisma to soothe tempers or their fists to end disputes, barkeeps have a knack for navigating the unpredictable life that comes with the job.
Background Story Ideas:
1. After an infamous brawl destroyed your beloved tavern, you took up adventuring not only to earn the gold to rebuild it, but to find those responsible.
2. Tired of the monotony of pouring drinks and breaking up fights, you left the bar behind, determined to live the life of so many of your patrons.
3. Your tavern served as a cover for a secret spy network, but your operations were exposed, forcing you to flee for your life.
Origin Feat: Raise Spirits
You provide a service to people that only a barkeep can.
Skilled Listener. You gain proficiency in the Insight skill.
Barkeep’s Bravado. You can choose a creature within 10 feet to gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1). You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses after a long rest.
Faces of the City
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