A proficient barber with a magical blade possesses an extraordinary skill set and a tool that goes beyond the ordinary. The barber's expertise and the enchanted blade allow them to create masterful haircuts and styles that seem to bring out the best in each person. The magic in the barber's blade is not literal, but rather symbolic of their exceptional abilities. With each stroke of the blade, the barber transforms dull and unkempt hair into a work of art. They possess an innate understanding of hair textures, styles, and trends, which enables them to bring out the natural beauty of their clients' hair. Beyond their technical skills, a proficient barber with a magical blade also possesses a keen sense of intuition and empathy.
The background could get two of (yes, I know backgrounds have set skills. I guess you could roll them into the 3rd level ability with healing but that seems a bit much) performance, persuasion, arcana, history. For the two languages/tools/instruments pick two of one language, gaming kit, disguise kit.
The 13th level AT ability Versatile Trickster is an enhancement to mage hand so mimic that by enhancing the new 3rd level healing ability somehow more heals better heals. Feature Ear of the Suq When in a settlement, you can gather accurate rumors without any chance of others trailing the inquiry back to you, such is your innocuous charm.
Beyond their technical skills, a proficient barber with a magical blade also possesses a keen sense of intuition and empathy. They have the ability to gauge their clients' desires and transform those desires into reality. Whether a customer wants a trendy haircut or something more traditional, the barber can always deliver with a touch of magic.
D&D 5E Al-Qadim Rogue Barber
In 5 th edition, how would one build an Al-Qadim Rogue Barber?
In 2nd edition Al-Qadim, the Barber Rogue was a subclass of both the Thief and the Bard, and a very interesting character IMHO. I love that a subclass could be picked up from two separate classes, almost like a background.
Assuming Rogue or Bard, you are looking at a Lore or Valour Bard or (I presume) an Arcane Trickster.
· Good with Razor Blades (or knives)
· Backstreet surgeon and herbal healer
· Sly with persuasion and deception
· Knowledge of lore, gossip, fables and storytelling.
So are we looking at good Dex for the blades, good Cha for the storytelling, persuasion and deception and good Int for the lore/knowledge side of things?
I suppose you could dip 1 level of life/knowledge Cleric or go fast hands/healer feat human to cover all the bases but an actual subclass would help immensely.
The race screams Variant Human or Half-Elf to both cover the stats, skills and languages if you wanted to optimise
If Bard, Charm person/suggestion etc. spells might be ideal
What personality traits would you add (especially flaws)
Ps. I really hope that Al-Qadim or Dark Sun gets some support soon!
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Legend
You could make it a 3rd level character path. If it was thief in 2nd edition, I may keep it there and add abilities to make it what you want but keep it from becoming Arcane Trickster. I would be interested in a partial healer thief rather than a partial mage trickster. although the bard could fit the bill with partial healer and partial mage.
Ath-kethin
Elder Thing
I'd make it a background. There is no need for it to be a subclass.Mouseferatu
Hero
I'd make it a background. There is no need for it to be a subclass.
I was just about to say something like this. Everything about the barber can be recreated using existing rogue subclasses, the right background, and maybe a feat. And I wouldn't even go with arcane trickster. The barber doesn't need magic, and certainly no more magic than you could get with a feat.
guachi
Hero
Either a background or a lightly modified Arcane Trickster similar to how the College of Swords Bard from the Kits of Old UA is a lightly modified Valor Bard. Maybe combine the two by picking or creating a recommended background for the Barber (conveniently called Barber)
Pick something to replace the 3rd level AT ability - probably something to do with healing for the bonus healing proficiency Barber's get.
The background could get two of (yes, I know backgrounds have set skills. I guess you could roll them into the 3rd level ability with healing but that seems a bit much) performance, persuasion, arcana, history. For the two languages/tools/instruments pick two of one language, gaming kit, disguise kit.
The Special Benefit of learning about magical items doesn't seem useful. I don't know how you could replace that with something useful. You could replace the 9th level Magical Ambush feature with. I dunno.
The 13th level AT ability Versatile Trickster is an enhancement to mage hand so mimic that by enhancing the new 3rd level healing ability somehow (more heals/better heals)
rgoodbb
Adventurer
OK. How does this sound?
BACKGROUND: BARBER
The Barber is an odd individual. On the outside they are loud and talkative barbers ideally situated in crowded bazaars and on busy street corners. With Proficiency, a Barber can make a moderate living. But on the inside they can be something quite different indeed. They make excellent spies, assassins, gatherers of magical folklore, weavers of deception and dissent but also hush-hush backstreet surgeons.
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine and one from either Arcana, Deception, History or Sleight of Hand
Tool Proficiencies: A Baber’s Kit
Languages: 1 Language of your choice
Equipment: A barber’s kit, a healer’s kit, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Barber’s kit; 2 x Cut throat razors, a shoulder towel, a shaving brush and soap and a hanging strop for maintaining the razors edge.
FEATURE: GOSSIP AND LORE
Thanks to your profession, you are privy to all sorts of interesting information. Customers just seem to open up to you and need little cajoling to impart more. You are also experienced in sending and receiving secret messages whilst performing your service.
SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
d8 Personality Traits
1 When I acquire good Information, I spice it up tenfold and send it back out camouflaged
2 I am always in a position where I can shut up shop and move on at the first sign of trouble
3 I am always on the lookout for gossip, especially of magical items
4 I weave stories and untruths within normal customer conversation
5 I am always ready to stabilise a dying rebel whose cause is aligned with mine
6 I enjoy invisibly subverting the law right in front of their faces
7 When I first set up shop, I give local storekeepers a free shave to spread the word
8 The best place to hide is in the open
(Ideals, Bonds and Flaws are yours to choose from other backgrounds)
Last edited: Jan 7, 2017Ath-kethin
Elder Thing
OK. How does this sound?
BACKGROUND: ROGUE BARBER
The Rogue Barber is an odd individual. On the outside they are loud and talkative barbers ideally situated in crowded bazaars and on busy street corners. With Proficiency, a Barber can make a moderate living. But on the inside they can be something quite different indeed. They make excellent spies, assassins, a gatherers of magical folklore, weavers of deception and dissent but also hush-hush backstreet surgeons.
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine and one from either Arcana, Deception, History or Sleight of Hand
Tool Proficiencies: A Baber’s Kit
Languages: 1 Language of your choice
Equipment: A barber’s kit, a healer’s kit, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Barber’s kit; 2 x Cut throat razors, a shoulder towel, a shaving brush and soap and a hanging strop for maintaining the razors edge.
FEATURE: GOSSIP AND LORE
Thanks to your profession, you are privy to all sorts of interesting information. Customers just seem to open up to you and need little cajoling to impart more. You are also experienced in sending and receiving secret messages whilst performing your service.
SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
d8 Personality Traits
1 A private shaving is always a good way to slit a throat
2 I am always in a position where I can shut up shop and move on at the first sign of trouble
3 I am always on the lookout for gossip, especially of magical items
4 I weave stories and untruths within normal customer conversation
5 I am always ready to stabilise a dying rebel whose cause is aligned with mine
6 I enjoy invisibly subverting the law right in front of their faces
7 When I first set up shop, I give local storekeepers a free shave to spread the word
8 The best place to hide is in the open
(Ideals, Bonds and Flaws are yours to choose from other backgrounds)
I'd focus a little less on throat-slitting, since that isn't a huge part of the concept/archetype, but aside from that I like it.
You also just might name the background "Barber," since it isn't very 5e to limit things to certain classes (even implicitly).
rgoodbb
Adventurer
I'd focus a little less on throat-slitting, since that isn't a huge part of the concept/archetype, but aside from that I like it.
You also just might name the background "Barber," since it isn't very 5e to limit things to certain classes (even implicitly).
Agreed. Done and done.
Ath-kethin
Elder Thing
Agreed. Done and done.Nice (though I'm not sure what "throat cut razors" are). I'd use this in my campaign, no problem.
rgoodbb
Adventurer
Nice (though I'm not sure what "throat cut razors" are). I'd use this in my campaign, no problem.Cut throat razor
Although historically this is probably out by many, many centuries, It's fantasy.
Leatherhead
Possibly a Idiot.
I think they are also called straight razors.Quickleaf
Legend
In 5 th edition, how would one build an Al-Qadim Rogue Barber?
In 2nd edition Al-Qadim, the Barber Rogue was a subclass of both the Thief and the Bard, and a very interesting character IMHO. I love that a subclass could be picked up from two separate classes, almost like a background.
Assuming Rogue or Bard, you are looking at a Lore or Valour Bard or (I presume) an Arcane Trickster.
· Good with Razor Blades (or knives)
· Backstreet surgeon and herbal healer
· Sly with persuasion and deception
· Knowledge of lore, gossip, fables and storytelling.
So are we looking at good Dex for the blades, good Cha for the storytelling, persuasion and deception and good Int for the lore/knowledge side of things?
I suppose you could dip 1 level of life/knowledge Cleric or go fast hands/healer feat human to cover all the bases but an actual subclass would help immensely.
The race screams Variant Human or Half-Elf to both cover the stats, skills and languages if you wanted to optimise
If Bard, Charm person/suggestion etc. spells might be ideal
What personality traits would you add (especially flaws)
Ps. I really hope that Al-Qadim or Dark Sun gets some support soon!
I think the Mastermind rogue in the SWORD COAST ADVENTURER'S GUIDE is a decent approximation of the Barber-Rogue concept. And here's the Barber Surgeon background from our Al-Qadim 5e conversion project.
Barber Surgeon (background)
Plying your razor and wit inconspicuously in the
bazaar and noble houses, you are a barber surgeon –
an apothecary, informant, herbalist, and master of
the arts of grooming.
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Performance
Tool Proficiencies: Barber’s tools*, herbalism kit
Equipment: A razor, scissors, strop, shaving brush,
apron, bar of soap, common clothes, and a belt
pouch containing 10 gp
Feature: Ear of the Suq
When in a settlement, you can gather accurate
rumors without any chance of others trailing the
inquiry back to you, such is your innocuous charm.
You must either spend 1 hour and 25 gp loosening
tongues, or else perform your profession as a barber
during a day of downtime. You gain information
determined by the DM related to a person, place,
object, or event of your choice that someone in the
settlement could reasonably know about.
d8 Personality Trait
1 I’ll get to the point of my stories…eventually.
2 My humor is offbeat, dark, and macabre.
3 I can’t help but cringe at poor grooming.
4 My mustache reflects my mood.
5 Too much silence makes me uncomfortable.
6 I’ll try to upstage any barbers or storytellers I meet
with extravagant tales.
7 Without having to rehearse, sometimes I speak in
rhyming verse!
8 No jewelry or silks are too ostentatious for me.
d6 Ideal
1 Imagination. Ins must imagine a better future to
give today meaning. (Any)
2 Sadism. Cruel deeds may be required now and
then, but it’s no sin to enjoy them. (Evil)
3 Mystery. Being elusive and ineffable protects me
from being taken advantage of. (Neutral)
4 Iconoclasm. March to your own tune and pay no
heed to traditionalist detractors. (Chaotic)
5 Friendliness. A ready smile and kind words can
open hearts and unlock doors. (Good)
6 Civilization. Cities are the lifeblood of culture and
commerce. (Lawful)
d6 Bond
1 My status may be diminished now, but once I
groomed the Grand Caliph himself!
2 My niece suffers from a malady I can’t treat and I
adventure to find a cure for her.
3 I whet my razor for the day I’ll have revenge on the
one who cost me everything.
4 I hold a terrible burden of knowledge no one would
believe that I must do something about.
5 A guild of barbers saved me from destitution and I
owe them everything.
6 A genie challenged me to live a life half as wondrous
as my fish tales…
d6 Flaw
1 I enjoy making the guilty and pompous squirm just
a bit too much.
2 Bold-faced lies are no sin coming from my lips; the
bigger and more outrageous the better.
3 I am indeed as mad as they say, and my hand
trembles with delight when I pick up a razor.
4 I don’t trust anything another person tells me unless
they’re in my barber chair and I have a razor to their
neck.
5 The distinction between truth and lies is blurred for
me. I’ve told more half-truths than there are drops
of water in the Great Sea.
6 I have an unfortunate knack for putting my foot in
my mouth, revealing secrets, and horribly
embarrassing others in the process.
The magical blade is not restricted to physical transformations alone; it also has the power to boost confidence and self-esteem. As the client sees their new look in the mirror, they are captivated by the transformation. The barber's magic extends beyond the realm of hairstyling; it has the power to uplift spirits and make people feel more comfortable in their own skin. A proficient barber with a magical blade is not merely a hairstylist; they are an artist. Their mastery of their craft, combined with the enchantment of the blade, sets them apart from the rest. Each haircut is a unique masterpiece, and every client leaves the barber's chair feeling like a new person. In a world where appearances hold significant weight, a proficient barber with a magical blade brings a touch of enchantment to the art of hairstyling. They possess the ability to create more than just a haircut; they create a magical experience that leaves a lasting impact..
Reviews for "The art of superior grooming: the proficiency of the barber's magical blade"
1. Rebecca - 2/5 stars: I was really excited to try the Proficient Barber Magical Blade after hearing all the hype, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The blade didn't cut through my hair smoothly and kept getting stuck, which resulted in an uneven haircut. I also found it quite difficult to maneuver, especially around the back of my head. Overall, I don't think it's worth the price and would recommend looking for a better barber blade.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars: I cannot stress enough how much I disliked the Proficient Barber Magical Blade. It was incredibly loud and gave off a lot of vibrations, making the whole experience very uncomfortable. The blade itself seemed dull and unable to cut through my hair effectively. It felt like I was tugging at my hair rather than smoothly gliding through it. I would not recommend this blade to anyone looking for a quality haircut.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars: I was really hopeful that the Proficient Barber Magical Blade would live up to its name, but unfortunately, it fell short. The blade felt flimsy and low-quality, lacking the precision I was expecting. It also didn't offer a smooth shaving experience, as I ended up with some cuts and nicks. Additionally, the blade had a tendency to overheat quickly, which made the whole process uncomfortable. I would advise others to consider alternative options before purchasing this barber blade.