Homebrew Background & Feat - Former Child Actor
The Actor was a background in the 5th edition and continues to be in the new edition. Neither captures the essence of being a star at a young age. Instead of doing a boring old actor background, I’ve created the Former Child Actor background for the new edition.
While new to D&D, the concept is not entirely unique. Those who read the RPG Lit Dungeon Crawler Carl series will know this is Princess Donut’s (also known as GC, BWR, NW Princess Donut the Queen Anne Chonk) class. For those who haven’t read the series, stop reading this and buy the book or, better yet, the audiobook. I know telling you to stop reading this article is counterintuitive, but the book series is that good.
Former Child Actor
Ability Scores: Charisma, Wisdom, Intelligence
Feat: Exude Charisma
Skill Proficiencies: Performance and Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Disguise Kit, backpack, bedroll, bell, 2 costumes, mirror, 10 days of rations, waterskin, 5 gp or (B) 50 gp
Almost as soon as you could walk, your parents thrust you into the acting world. They knew you were special, but not in the deluded way many parents do. Your tiny roles in local theater quickly captured the eye of many troupe leaders and managers. You soon signed a contract guaranteeing you a hefty sum of gold. As you traveled the continent, you were fascinated by the beauty of the land and the cities the troupe performed in.
You left your family behind, joining a well-respected acting troupe. They taught you the tools of the trade - costume creation, makeup, how to read an audience, and so forth. Natural acting ability and stage presence quickly let you capture the hearts of audiences with your charming and endearing performances in popular plays.
Your acting enthralled audiences in comedy, drama, or mystery. In musicals, your singing could raise one’s spirits or bring even the stoic people to shed a tear. You were a chameleon who could play both the villain and the hero.
Background Story Ideas
Growing up in the spotlight came with the intense scrutiny that comes with fame. Although your early fame brought immense joy and opportunities, such as meeting seeing the world and meeting royalty, it also came with a sense of isolation. Rarely did you interact with people your age, and you often felt like he was missing out on typical childhood relationships. You yearned to find a close-knit group of friends who understood to work, live, and bond with.
On the cusp of adulthood, you faced a crossroads - continue your career as you entered adulthood or try something completely different. You had always felt a pull toward adventure and exploration that grew stronger as you traveled the world in your acting career.
Once a spoiled brat superstar, you indulged in wine and women, even as a child. Your continued success fed your lifestyle until everything crashed around you. You lost everything and spent years alone, shunned by friends, family, and those once your fans. Rehabilitation has been challenging, but you are ready for a comeback.
Exude Charisma
Origin Feat
You can dazzle a crowd or individual in ways a bard could only dream about.
You gain the following benefits.
Natural Charmer. You have Advantage on all Performance (Charisma) checks.
Smooth Talker. Whenever you buy a non-magical item, you receive a 5 percent X your Proficiency Bonus discount. Whenever you sell a non-magical item, you receive a 5% X your Proficiency Bonus to the selling price.
I’m Not Dead Yet. When you are reduced to 0 hit points and aren’t dead, you become Stable.
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Art Credit - WotC
