One project I've set myself is to create a bunch of pregen characters for my Ravenloft games. But rather than just make a series of random characters, I want to create three characters at a time--each a variation on a theme. This is an exercise in exploring the flexibility of 5e D&D's character creation options and carving out some niches in the Ravenloft setting. A pdf of all three characters statted out at 3rd level, ready to print and play, is linked below.
The theme of this post: troubadours!
Lightfoot Halfling Fiend Patron Warlock
Not everyone has the natural musical talent to be a bard, even if the admiration of an adoring audience is their dearest wish. This troubadour was unable to achieve success through conventional hard work, practice, and determination, so they turned to darker forces for aid; a midnight sojourn to an accursed crossroads led to a meeting with a devil who proposed an unusual deal: do the fiend's bidding in return for supernatural musical skill and access to infernal magic.
Hill Dwarf Bladesinger Wizard
Although most musicians aspire to leave their audiences feeling joyous and inspired, this troubadour sings songs that render the crowds maudlin and weeping: their ballads tell of the tragic downfall of the great dwarven heroes. As sorrowful as their music may be, there is still magic in those old songs of slain warriors and fallen thanes; in combat, the dirge singer's mournful strains and melancholy melodies embolden them to acts of bravery worthy of the subjects of their repertoire.
Human College of Swords Bard
Kartakass is home to many thrilling styles of musicianship, but none raise the hair on the back of the neck quite as well as the chilling art of the murder ballad. This troubadour travels the Land of the Mists to collect new tales of horrific slayings, dark magic, and warped passions; sometimes these terrible events are witnessed firsthand. These monstrous affairs are woven into musical cautionary tales that warn the populace of the horrors that lurk in the night and the violence roiling within the human heart.
Three Troubadours of Ravenloft pdf
Note: If there's an aspect of a character here that doesn't conform 100% to the rules as written, that's because I'm making these characters according to my own house rules. Or I just made a mistake. Either is probable.
