Crafting Laughter and Lore: A Comprehensive Guide to the Entertainer Background in D&D 5e
The Entertainer background in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) offers a vibrant and versatile foundation for characters, breathing life into campaigns with their charisma, performance skills, and knack for captivating audiences. More than just a jester or a bard, the Entertainer background provides a rich tapestry of possibilities, from seasoned actors and acrobats to renowned storytellers and captivating musicians. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the nuances of the Entertainer background, providing detailed steps and instructions for creating compelling characters who can light up any adventure.
## Understanding the Allure of the Entertainer
Before diving into the specifics of character creation, it’s crucial to understand what makes the Entertainer background so appealing. It’s more than just rolling dice and filling out a character sheet; it’s about embodying a personality who thrives on performance and connection. Entertainers possess an innate ability to draw attention, whether through dazzling feats of skill, mesmerizing tales, or infectious humor. This ability can be invaluable in various situations, from gathering information in a crowded tavern to defusing tense encounters with a well-timed joke.
The Entertainer background offers a unique blend of utility and roleplaying potential. While combat prowess might not be their primary focus, their social skills and performance abilities can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. They can charm guards, negotiate deals, inspire allies, and even manipulate enemies with their words and actions. This versatility makes them a valuable asset to any adventuring party.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Entertainer
Creating a memorable Entertainer character requires careful consideration of their skills, personality, and motivations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bring your Entertainer to life:
**Step 1: Defining Your Art Form**
The first step is to decide on your character’s primary form of entertainment. This will significantly influence their skills, personality, and overall role in the party. Consider the following options, or even create your own:
* **Actor:** Masters of disguise and impersonation, actors can seamlessly slip into different roles, infiltrating enemy lines or charming unsuspecting targets. Their performances are meticulously planned and executed, often involving elaborate costumes and props.
* **Acrobat:** Graceful and agile, acrobats captivate audiences with their daring feats of athleticism. They can navigate treacherous terrain with ease, scale walls, and perform breathtaking stunts that leave onlookers in awe.
* **Bard:** Skilled in music, poetry, and storytelling, bards use their artistic talents to inspire allies, demoralize enemies, and weave tales of adventure. They are often charismatic leaders and skilled diplomats.
* **Comedian:** Masters of wit and humor, comedians use their jokes and antics to entertain audiences and lighten the mood. They can defuse tense situations, disarm enemies with laughter, and provide much-needed comic relief.
* **Dancer:** Expressing emotions and stories through movement, dancers use their bodies to create captivating performances. They can charm audiences with their grace and elegance, and their agility makes them surprisingly effective in combat.
* **Jester:** Clowns, pranksters, and tricksters, jesters use their antics to entertain and amuse. They can disrupt enemy formations, distract guards, and create chaos with their unpredictable behavior.
* **Musician:** Skilled in playing various instruments, musicians create captivating melodies that evoke a range of emotions. They can inspire allies, demoralize enemies, and provide a soothing soundtrack to any adventure.
* **Orator:** Gifted speakers who excel at public speaking, orators can rally crowds, persuade individuals, and deliver powerful messages. They are skilled diplomats and negotiators, capable of swaying opinions and influencing decisions.
* **Storyteller:** Weavers of tales and legends, storytellers captivate audiences with their narratives. They can inspire allies with heroic sagas, warn of impending dangers with cautionary tales, and unravel mysteries with their insightful observations.
* **Stunt Performer:** These daredevils specialize in dangerous and thrilling acts, often involving acrobatics, pyrotechnics, or feats of strength. They thrive on risk and adrenaline, captivating audiences with their death-defying stunts.
Once you’ve chosen your art form, consider how it has shaped your character’s personality and worldview. Are they a flamboyant showman who craves attention, or a more reserved performer who prefers to let their art speak for itself? Do they use their talents for good, or are they motivated by personal gain?
**Step 2: Choosing Your Skills and Equipment**
The Entertainer background provides proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance, reflecting their natural talent for entertaining audiences. You also gain proficiency with one type of musical instrument, further enhancing your ability to captivate and inspire. The starting equipment includes:
* A musical instrument (one of your choice)
* The favor of an admirer (love letter, lock of hair, or trinket)
* A costume
* 15 gp
Consider how your character’s chosen art form influences their choice of musical instrument and costume. A bard might choose a lute and a colorful tunic, while an acrobat might prefer a set of lightweight clothing and a portable tumbling mat.
**Step 3: Defining Your Personality and Background**
The Entertainer background offers a selection of suggested personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws to help you flesh out your character. However, feel free to customize these elements to create a unique and compelling persona.
* **Personality Traits:** These describe your character’s habitual behaviors and attitudes. Examples include:
* “I know a story relevant to almost every situation.”
* “Whenever I come across someone important, I love to drop names and ingratiate myself.”
* “I’m always polite and respectful.”
* “I like to shock people and attract attention to myself.”
* “I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my spotlight.”
* “I’m confident in my own abilities and know what I’m worth.”
* **Ideals:** These represent your character’s core beliefs and values. Examples include:
* **Beauty:** “When I perform, I make the world better than it was.” (Good)
* **Tradition:** “The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are.” (Lawful)
* **Creativity:** “The world is in need of new ideas and bold action.” (Chaotic)
* **Greed:** “I’m only in it for the money and fame.” (Evil)
* **People:** “I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I perform. That’s all that matters.” (Neutral)
* **Honesty:** “Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal our innermost feelings.” (Any)
* **Bonds:** These represent your character’s connections to people, places, or things. Examples include:
* “My instrument is my most prized possession, and it reminds me of someone I love.”
* “Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back.”
* “I want to be famous, whatever it takes.”
* “I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person’s.”
* “I will do anything to prove myself superior to my hated rival.”
* “I would do anything for the members of my old troupe.”
* **Flaws:** These represent your character’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Examples include:
* “I’ll do anything to win fame and fortune.”
* “I’m a sucker for a pretty face.”
* “A scandal prevents me from ever going home again.”
* “I’m quick to judge others and resent anyone who questions me.”
* “I secretly believe that everyone is laughing at me.”
* “I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble.”
Consider how your character’s art form and background influence their personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. A jaded comedian might have a cynical personality and a flaw related to gambling, while an idealistic bard might be driven by a desire to spread joy and inspiration.
**Step 4: The By Popular Demand Feature**
The Entertainer background grants the *By Popular Demand* feature, which allows you to always find a place to perform, usually in an inn or tavern, but possibly in a circus, theater, or even the noble court. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your performance makes you something of a local figure. When strangers recognize you in a town where you have performed, they typically take a liking to you.
This feature is incredibly useful for gathering information, securing resources, and building connections. Use it to your advantage to gain the trust of locals, uncover secrets, and advance your own agenda.
**Step 5: Crafting Your Backstory**
Your character’s backstory is the foundation upon which their personality and motivations are built. Consider the following questions to develop a rich and compelling backstory:
* **Where did your character learn their art form?** Did they study at a prestigious academy, learn from a traveling mentor, or simply develop their skills through trial and error?
* **What were their motivations for becoming an entertainer?** Were they driven by a desire for fame, fortune, or simply a love of performance?
* **What are some significant events that shaped their life?** Did they experience tragedy, triumph, or betrayal that influenced their personality and worldview?
* **What are their relationships like with their family and friends?** Are they close to their loved ones, or are they estranged due to their chosen path?
* **What are their goals and aspirations?** Do they dream of performing on the biggest stage in the land, or are they content with entertaining small crowds in local taverns?
Consider incorporating elements of your character’s backstory into their personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. This will create a cohesive and believable character that players can easily connect with.
## Roleplaying Your Entertainer
Once you’ve created your Entertainer character, it’s time to bring them to life through roleplaying. Here are some tips for embodying your Entertainer:
* **Embrace your character’s art form:** Don’t be afraid to incorporate elements of your character’s performance into your interactions. Sing a song, tell a joke, perform a dance, or simply strike a dramatic pose to add flair to your roleplaying.
* **Use your skills to your advantage:** The Entertainer background provides proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance, so use these skills to your advantage in various situations. Charm guards with a captivating performance, navigate treacherous terrain with acrobatic feats, or gather information by mingling with the crowd.
* **Develop a distinct voice and mannerisms:** Give your character a unique voice and mannerisms that reflect their personality and background. A flamboyant actor might speak with dramatic flair and gestures, while a reserved musician might be soft-spoken and contemplative.
* **Be proactive and engage with the world:** Don’t wait for the DM to tell you what to do. Take the initiative to interact with NPCs, explore new locations, and uncover hidden secrets.
* **Remember your character’s motivations:** Keep your character’s goals and aspirations in mind when making decisions. This will help you stay true to your character and create a more compelling roleplaying experience.
## Expanding Your Entertainer: Feats and Multiclassing
As your Entertainer levels up, you can further customize their abilities and playstyle through feats and multiclassing.
**Feats:**
* **Actor:** If your Entertainer is an actor, the Actor feat is a must-have. It grants you advantage on Charisma (Deception) and Charisma (Performance) checks when trying to pass yourself off as a different person, and you can mimic the speech of another person or the sounds made by other creatures.
* **Performer:** A custom feat could be created to enhance the entertainer abilities further, granting proficiency with another musical instrument and advantage on Performance checks in specific scenarios (e.g., when performing for a large crowd).
* **Inspiring Leader:** While not directly related to performance, this feat enhances your ability to inspire your party, granting temporary hit points to allies.
**Multiclassing:**
* **Bard:** This is the most obvious and synergistic multiclass option. Bards are natural performers, and multiclassing into Bard grants access to spells, musical abilities, and other features that complement the Entertainer background perfectly. You gain access to Bardic Inspiration, spells like *Charm Person* and *Disguise Self*, and expertise in additional skills.
* **Rogue (Thief):** If your Entertainer is more of a trickster or a con artist, multiclassing into Rogue (Thief) can be a powerful option. You gain access to skills like Sleight of Hand and Stealth, as well as the Thief’s Tools proficiency, allowing you to pick pockets, disable traps, and unlock doors with ease. The Fast Hands feature allows you to perform bonus action actions, like using a musical instrument to distract someone while stealing from them.
* **Fighter (Battle Master):** For a more combat-oriented Entertainer, multiclassing into Fighter (Battle Master) can provide access to combat maneuvers that can be used to disarm enemies, distract them, or even inspire allies.
* **Cleric (Trickery Domain):** If your entertainer has a more spiritual bent, consider multiclassing into a Trickery Domain Cleric. The Trickery Domain provides access to spells that enhance deception and illusion, allowing you to create dazzling spectacles and mislead your enemies.
## Campaign Integration: Finding Your Place in the Story
The Entertainer background can be seamlessly integrated into any D&D campaign. Here are some ideas for incorporating your Entertainer into the story:
* **A Mysterious Patron:** Your character might be hired by a wealthy patron to perform at a private event, only to discover that the event is part of a sinister plot. You could be tasked with uncovering the truth and exposing the villains.
* **A Traveling Troupe:** Your character might be part of a traveling troupe that roams the countryside, performing for small villages and towns. This could lead you to discover hidden treasures, ancient ruins, or even forgotten deities.
* **A Rival Performer:** Your character might have a rival performer who constantly tries to undermine your success. This could lead to a series of performance competitions, sabotage attempts, and even a final showdown on the biggest stage in the land.
* **A Forgotten Legend:** Your character might stumble upon an ancient legend that speaks of a powerful artifact or a hidden city. You could embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the legend and claim the artifact for yourself.
* **The Savior of the Show:** The local theater or circus is about to go bankrupt, and it’s up to your character to stage a performance that will save the day. This could involve recruiting new performers, writing a new play, or even convincing a wealthy patron to invest in the show.
The Entertainer background offers a wealth of possibilities for character creation and roleplaying. By carefully considering your character’s art form, personality, and motivations, you can create a compelling and memorable character who can light up any adventure.
## Conclusion
The Entertainer background in D&D 5e is more than just a collection of skills and proficiencies; it’s a gateway to creating characters with vibrant personalities, captivating performance abilities, and the potential to shape the narrative in unique and exciting ways. By following this guide, you can craft an Entertainer who not only entertains but also contributes meaningfully to the story, leaving a lasting impression on both the game world and your fellow players. Embrace the spotlight, hone your skills, and let the laughter and lore of your Entertainer character resonate throughout your D&D adventures.