Gypsy
Gypsies are the true nomads of Alcirya. As such, they roam the lands, city to hamlet, entertaining and trading with all. All societies both love and loathe the gypsies as they and they alone traverse the political landscape with little to no malice. They are beloved by the commoner for the rare entertainment they are allowed to access and they are loved by nobles as they sell, buy and trade those items that would be otherwise beyond their reach. Authorities often overlook gypsies because of societal demand and gypsies are careful not give them little cause to stray from their narrow sight.
Additionally, gypsies are the historians and journalists of Alcirya. They carry with them the collective knowledge of the rich and poor; of events large and small and they carry the news of the day both proclaimed and passed through the shadows of secrecy.
Gypsy ways are strange to others and poorly understood by most. They do not recognize the existence of private property. The fruits of the land belong to all. If there is not enough to go around, it is easy enough to pack the wagons and move along. Likewise, Gypsies use only what they need and do not seek wealth or possessions for their own sake, or for the influence or power that they bring. They do not claim any one king or queen, although sometimes they will lay claim to these titles to gain advantage in bartering (when outsiders believe this, the Gypsies take it as proof of their gullibility and stupidity).
Gypsy-bards have an entire collection of unconventional concepts that make up their philosophy of life:
- Gypsy-bards are free thinkers. For example, many do not marry, seeking companionship only for as long as both parties agree to the arrangement.
- Gypsy-bards love nature.
- Many Gypsy-bards are atheists, though they can change their philosophies on a whim.
- Gypsy-bards draw their energies from their free will, their brethren, and from their natural surroundings.
- A Gypsy-bard is loyal to and protects his friends, but friendship must be earned, and it is not gained easily.
- Possession and ownership are the same.
- Money is useless unless it brings you pleasure; trade is a better form of commerce.
- You should always dress and act naturally and comfortably.
- The rigid customs and beliefs of non-Gypsies are foolish and should be ignored.
- Only a fellow Gypsy truly understands the Gypsy way of life. Others wrongly classify Gypsies as thieves, beggars, carnival people, nomads, or any number of other erroneous names. If a label must be used, the most accurate is "free-men."
Specialty
Dance/Instruments/Singing
Role
Gypsy-bards wander the land, experiencing life as they go. They travel until they find something of interest: a beautiful glade, an interesting village, an audience to sing and dance before, or someone who wants to trade with them. Then they establish a temporary camp and remain until their need to see more of the world overpowers their desire to stay.
An adventuring Gypsy-bard may be on a personal quest to locate some special animal or flower for the "Gypsy queen," or he could simply be out to experience the great wonders that appear along the adventuring path. In any event, a Gypsy-bard always has a purpose and philosophy to his adventuring, even if it is "to wander for the sake of wandering."
Distinctive Appearance
None
Special Benefits
Gypsy-bards are nearly druidical in their ability to associate with animals. They automatically gain the proficiencies of Animal Handling, Animal Lore, Animal Training, and Riding (Land-Based).
Furthermore, their training and riding skills extend to any animal with which they become familiar. At 5th, 10th and 15th levels, Gypsy-bards gain the ability to cause certain spell-like effects, each once per day. At 5th level, they are able to cause the effects of Animal Friendship by speaking kindly in the secret language of their own (Gypsy dialect).
At 10th level, they can concentrate and gain the benefits of a Locate Animals or Plants.
Finally, at 15th level, they gain the Speak with Animals.
Certain Gypsy songs and dances are very alluring and can have powerful influences over those who willingly listen or take part. For such performances to function, a group of at least three Gypsy-bards must be performing together, or the audience must be willingly participating.
These performances take at least d10 turns. The effect of such performances can be identical to any one spell of the School of Enchantment/Charm (as determined by the dance). However, at least one of the main performers must be high enough level to cast the spell. It is not required that the performer have the spell memorized, but he must have personal knowledge of it (in his spell books; roll a successful "chance to learn spell" check). The spell range, duration, and other effects that vary by caster level are determined by the eligible performer's level, as if he actually cast the desired spell.
By using any magical item suited for scrying or divining the future, such as a crystal ball or medallion of ESP, a Gypsy-bard can gain the benefits of an Augury. Each day, the Gypsy-bard can ask one question per five levels of experience (rounded up). Note that Gypsy-bards can even tell fortunes by using magical scrying items that are not otherwise usable by them. For example, crystal balls are usable only by wizards, and not even a Gypsy-bard can gain the typical benefits of the ball. However, by looking into one and concentrating, a Gypsy-bard can ask one augury - style yes/no question per five levels, during that day.
Besides items suited for scrying and divining the future, Gypsy-bards are able to perform the same feat with a deck of many things. Additionally, when a deck of many things is used by the Gypsy-bard for this purpose, the cards turned never affect him for good or bad. Drawing the void or the donjon card will not cause the deck to vanish. However, the deck still functions normally when used for purposes other than the augury.
An unusually large number of Gypsy-bards are psionic. If human, gypsies roll on the wild talent table 75% of the time (rather than the usual 50%).
Special Hindrances
A Gypsy-bard's climb walls ability works best when climbing trees. They are not skilled at climbing cliffs, building walls, or cave walls; they suffer a 25% penalty when scaling these surfaces.
Class
Attribute Requirements
None
Barred Beliefs
Gypsy-bards cannot be lawful neutral.
Race Requirement
None
Bonus Weapon Proficiencies
None
Required Weapon Proficiencies
Gypsy-bards must take either dagger or knife, and their first sword (if any is ever taken) must be either the khopesh or scimitar
Recommended Weapon Proficiencies
None
Barred Weapon Proficiencies
Axe, lance (any), polearm (any), trident, two-handed sword, bastard sword, or warhammer
Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies
Dancing, Direction Sense, Language (Modern - Gypsy), Musical Instrument (tambourine, violin, mandolin)
Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies
History (Ancient), Astrology, Cooking, Craft Instrument, Disguise, Fire Building, Gaming, Herbalism, Hunting, Juggling, Singing, Spellcraft, Survival, Tracking, Ventriloquism, Weather Sense
Equipment
Gypsy-bards can wear only leather, padded, studded leather, hide, or elven chain mail. The other types are too noisy, bulky, and are considered to be impure and unnatural. Both male and female Gypsy-bards love to wear gaudy jewelry. Their garments are typically loose-fitting and comfortable.
Wealth Options
None
Homeland Terrain
None
Economic System
None