Scoundrels, confidence artists, charlatans, and tricksters, mountebanks use deception and trickery to make their way through the world. Central to their talents is a deep understanding of what people want and what they’ll do to acquire what they want. After a few probing questions, a mountebank discovers a victim’s wishes, and then weaves a deception to manipulate that person.
To most, mountebanks are social parasites, opportunists of the lowest order. They feed on the fortunes of others, and give a litany of excuses and false assurances, as worthless as glass jewels, in return. Despite this poor reputation, mountebanks have the skills to open doors, gain access to important and powerful individuals, and grow personal fortunes. When a victim becomes suspicious, a mountebank has foresight enough to know to slip away to find a new target.
Most mountebanks come from the ranks of rogues, especially those with talents focused on manipulation and control. Such individuals find the mountebank path a way to develop and improve on existing techniques. A rogue with these skills can be a truly confounding opponent.
Others might choose this path. Failed priests turn to this path to make their way in the world. Magicians, especially those that have discovered the Enchantment or Telepathy tradition, can find being a mountebank complements their spells.
Level 3 Mountebank
Attributes. Increase two by 1
Characteristics. Health +3, Perception +1
Languages and Profession. You can speak another language, or add a common or criminal profession.
Inveigle When you spend at least 1 minute talking to a creature that can hear and understand what you say, the creature must make a Will challenge roll. On a failure, the creature becomes charmed for as long as it can see you or until it takes damage. On a success, the creature is immune to your use of this talent until it completes a rest.
Mislead You can use an action to trick one creature within short range that can see you, hear you, and understand what you say. Make an Intellect attack roll against the target’s Perception. You make the attack roll with 1 boon if the target is charmed, compelled, or impaired. On a success, you move the target up to half its Speed and the next creature to attack it before the end of the round makes the attack roll with 2 boons.
Quick Reflexes You can use a triggered action on your turn to hide or retreat.
Level 6 Mountebank
Characteristics. Health +3
Cunning Betrayal When a creature makes an attack roll against you, you can use a triggered action to make an Agility challenge roll. On a success, you swap places with one creature within 2 yards of you, and that creature becomes the target of the attack instead of you.
Level 9 Master Mountebank
Characteristics. Health +3
Confounding Assault When you get a success on an attack roll against a creature, you make attack rolls against the creature with 1 boon for 1 round.