Journalist

Source: The Big Book of Backgrounds, adapted to UH

You are a practicing journalist, one who seeks outs, gathers, prepares, and disseminates stories and news. Whether you are independent or work for an organization or publication, you are experienced with finding interesting stories and recounting them in writing for others to consume. You might be a hard-boiled investigator, a novice just getting started, or a philosophical traveler who merely wants to spread what you have experienced to anyone interested in reading it. In any case, you have a nose for a good story and you can use your credentials to gain access to the sources of such stories where others might find their way barred.


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): Dexterity, Intelligence, Charisma
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Insight, Investigation, History
  • 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: A copy of your article or story
  • Background Gold: 10gp.

Origin Trait

Origin Skill Focus

You gain a +1 to two different Skills you are proficient in.


Suggested Characteristics

Some questions to consider when determining how this background applies to your character: What sort of things do you tend to report about? Who funds your journalistic endeavors? Do you work for an organization? Do you pursue stories yourself and sell them to places in need of interesting news? Do you practice a particular style of journalism that you’re known for? What is your reputation as a journalist like, if you have one? Do you have competition? If so, what is your relationship with them like?


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I don't like to linger in one place for too long.
2 To my mind- the best way to get a story is to tell one of your own first.
3 A little embellishment can make a good story into a great story.
4 Attention to detail is the hallmark of a good journalist.
5 I don't believe in keeping work and pleasure separate.
6 Stories should always be shared over a meal or a drink.
7 I rely on my sense of humor in tense situations.
8 I have no problem embarrassing myself for a good story.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Protocol. If you treat your sources in the ways they expect and if you follow the proper channels- you will get the stories you seek time after time.
2 Diversity. You can find a story anywhere and from anyone.
3 Education. Educated people can better make informed decisions to help themselves.
4 Propaganda. False news travels fast and often gets me what I want.
5 Truth. Journalists have an obligation to spread the truth- even if it is unpleasant.
6 Influence. If you provide people with their news- you can influence what they believe.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 There is another journalist out there who is my arch-rival. I must outdo them!
2 I want my work to be known across the world and beyond.
3 My sibling was killed while investigating a certain organization- and I intend to find out what happened.
4 One of my ancestors was a famous journalist- and I want to do justice to their legacy.
5 The best part of journalism is encountering different people and places.
6 I want to be a part of history's great events and witness them firsthand as they unfold.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I look down at people who don't work as hard as me- and no one works as hard as me.
2 I never believe I'm good enough at what I do.
3 The more different someone is from me- the more suspicious I am of them.
4 I perceive insults against me sometimes when none were intended.
5 I have a tendency to over indulge in at least one particular illicit substance.
6 I am deathly afraid of heights.