Beggar

Those that lack homes, ask for alms, and other impoverished folk have been, broadly, left behind by whatever society they are a part of. You were part of those huddled masses, doing everything you could to survive, but going to bed hungry more often than not.

How did you escape that life? What was the turning point for you? Who did you leave behind? What scars do you bear from that time?

Ability Score Increases: +1 to Wisdom and one other ability score of your choice.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight and Survival

Tool Proficiencies: A musical instrument of your choice, sewing kit.

Languages: One of your choice

Suggested Equipment (Cost 6 gold): common clothes, crowbar, ocarina, sewing kit

Feature: Beggar's Life.  A stable living situation is a luxury, and you’ve learned to pack your things in the most efficient manner possible. Your Strength is considered to be 2 higher for the purposes of determining your carrying capacity.

In addition, you know Beggar’s Slang. Similar to thieves’ cant, this is a rudimentary set of slang, hand gestures, and drawn symbols for communicating basic ideas like if a guard is approaching, where not to set up shop, whether a shopkeeper is cruel or kind, or similar information. It cannot communicate complicated ideas or concepts.

Adventures and Advancement. As you gain fame and fortune, you will become renowned among those who you used to know. If you are known to the beggars in a town or have helped them in some way, they will be willing to serve as your eyes and ears throughout town, trying to beg and work in places where they can spy on others for you. You gain an expertise die on attempts to Gather Information if the knowledge can be discovered by these spies and always gain 1 point of Key Knowledge on such checks utilizing their skills, even if you fail.

Connection and Memento. Roll 1d10, choose, or make up your own.

Beggar Connections

1. The head of a beggar’s guild or collective, who took you in.
2. A cook who would give away extra food after closing.
3. A do-gooder who ran a soup kitchen or other service that helped you survive.
4. A priest or religious figure who would provide alms for those in need.
5. A member of the town guard who would bring you dinner in payment for information.
6. A merchant or noble who would make sure to put a coin in your cap with stunning regularity.
7. A stable hand who would let you sleep inside if there was room.
8. The manager of a workhouse, a source of constant misery.
9. The head of a merchant guild, the cause of your ruin.
10. The owner of a house that you squatted in, who let you stay as long as you didn’t ask questions about the basement.

Beggar Mementos

1. A rat or other small animal that always shared your hardships.
2. A battered hat you would collect coins in.
3. A rock you kept to try to convince others to make stone soup.
4. A set of curtains you stole from the bed of the local miser after they passed.
5. The tattered book you found and taught yourself to read from.
6. A scar from a time you saw something you shouldn’t have.
7. An alms bowl given to you by a dying priest.
8. A set of threadbare gloves, knitted by a loved one long ago.
9. An heirloom piece of jewelry you never sold.
10. A strange coin that no one has been willing to accept as currency.