Bureaucrat

Source: Blitz_und_Doener

You are a member of a governmental or private organization's administrative staff—one of the many "unsung heroes" who keeps the whole thing afloat. You have seen demagogues come and go, and all the while you've remained a steady hand in the storm of political tides around you. You studied your craft as a journeyman apprentice before being officially credentialed in your field. Now, you oversee some mundane facet of society.


NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Charisma, Dexterity, Intelligence
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): History, Perception, or Sleight of Hand
  • Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies
  • Languages: Two Standard languages of choice. (Two Exotic languages can be taken in place of Calligrapher's Supplies.)

  • Background Keepsake: An elegant feather quill
  • Background Gold: 5gp.

Origin Feat

Origin Leader

You can spend an action inspiring your allies to grant a renown dice to an ally who has used theirs during that adventure. This can be done a number of times per quest equal to half your Proficiency Bonus.


Suggested Characteristics

Cog in the Machine

Life in the administrative world isn't glamorous, but it does offer insight to the inner workings of local and provincial governments. You know how to fill out and file appropriate forms and permits, as well as how to navigate the archaic records system in your town. You also know the names of local elected and appointed officials, and which ones may be easier to approach or bribe. Due to the nature of your work, you've likely never left much of an impression on anyone.


COG in the Machine

Clerk

Intern

Secretary

Records Keeper

Middle Manager

Sanitation Specialist

Auditor

Treasurer

Paralegal Aide


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I love to talk about my work even if no one finds it interesting. And they frequently don't.
2 I am rather particular about my personal appearance and am professional to a fault.
3 I have never met a problem that I couldn't make more complicated.
4 I sympathize with the “little guy” and can't help taking on pro bono work for the folks who need it.
5 Small talk is second nature to me, and people feel at ease around me.
6 I am profoundly bad at my job and am easily overwhelmed with new rules and regulations.
7 I am well-known in my, admittedly insular, professional circles. I get offended with people don't know me or the firm I work for.
8 All work and no play means I am no fun at parties. It's probably why I don't get invited very often.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Equality. All these rules are there to make sure everyone has a level playing field.
2 Professionalism. I don't care what job I'm assigned to, I just want to do it well.
3 Corruption. I'm only in it to move up in life, and I'm happy to accept a bit of silver from anyone who thinks the same.
4 Freedom. These rules are too odious, so I'm willing to break a few. Honestly, I'm beginning to think that maybe this whole administration doesn't need to exist.
5 Community. I sleep well at night knowing the work I do helps keep the people around me safe.
6 Aspiration. I'm determined to make something of myself.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 My coworkers have turned into more of a family than, well, my actual family.
2 I testified against a corrupt politician. It's attracted attention, and not always from the best of people.
3 I owe a lot to the magistrate who got my career started, and I try to take care of them now that they're going senile.
4 I made a big clerical error and a shady person or group covered for me. I'm afraid I owe them a debt.
5 Another no-name official held up my credentialing for months and I can't wait to return the favor.
6 I have a protégé that I'd do anything to help along.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I got caught accepting a bribe or committing some other act and I've fallen into disrepute.
2 I'm constantly on the grind to move up in the world, and I don't care who I step on to get there.
3 My monotone voice often puts others to sleep.
4 I rarely offer up useful information. An informed populace may put me out of a job!
5 I trust others far too easily, and it often gets me into trouble.
6 I'm an absolute coward when it comes right down to it.