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D&D Background Spotlight: The Charlatan

Lies, Masks, and the Art of Survival

The Charlatan background is about more than scams and fake identities—it’s about reinvention. Charlatans survive by reading people, exploiting expectations, and staying one step ahead of consequences. In a fantasy world full of monsters and magic, a convincing lie can be just as powerful as a sword.

For players, Charlatans offer endless roleplaying flexibility. For GMs, they provide built-in complications, old enemies, and secrets waiting to surface.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Charlatan?

A Charlatan is someone who has learned that truth is negotiable. This could include:

• A con artist who preyed on the greedy or desperate

• A fake noble or scholar living under a stolen name

• A fortune teller who accidentally started believing the lies

• A confidence trickster forced into crime by circumstance

• A survivor who learned deception was safer than honesty

Charlatans don’t always see themselves as villains. Many justify their actions as necessary, deserved, or even charitable—after all, the mark could afford it.

Key Questions for Charlatan Characters

Encourage players to think deeper by asking:

• Who was I before I became this person?

• Is my current identity real—or just the longest con yet?

• What lie do I believe most strongly?

• What happens if someone uncovers the truth?

These questions turn a simple background into a long-term narrative engine.

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Roleplaying a Charlatan at the Table

Charlatans thrive in social tension. They might:

• Introduce themselves differently in every town

• Instinctively lie—even when the truth would work

• Struggle to trust others who show genuine kindness

• Use humor, charm, or deflection to avoid emotional exposure

A great Charlatan isn’t constantly scamming the party. Instead, they’re someone who expects betrayal—and prepares accordingly.

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Charlatan Roleplaying Strengths & Weaknesses

Optional d8 Tables

Roll once on each table—or choose results that best fit your character concept.

Roleplaying Strengths (d8)

Roleplaying Weaknesses (d8)

These weaknesses should invite drama, not punishment.

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Story Arcs for Charlatan Characters

These arcs are easy for GMs to plug into nearly any campaign.

1. The Lie That Followed

An old con resurfaces when an NPC recognizes the Charlatan—or their alias.

GM Twist: The NPC admired the con and wants in.

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2. Identity Theft

Someone else is using one of the Charlatan’s false identities… and doing horrible things with it.

GM Twist: Authorities think both are the same person.

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3. The One Honest Job

The Charlatan is offered legitimate work that would solve many problems—if they can resist scamming it.

GM Twist: The job is honest, but the employer isn’t.

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4. The Perfect Mark

The Charlatan encounters a target so wealthy and corrupt that the temptation is overwhelming.

GM Twist: The mark is bait for professional con-hunters.

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5. Truth or Consequences

A magical effect, divine curse, or planar law temporarily prevents the Charlatan from lying.

GM Twist: They learn which relationships were built on trust—and which weren’t.

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Using Charlatans as a GM

Charlatans are narrative glue. They:

• Generate recurring NPCs naturally

• Justify sudden complications and plot twists

• Create social tension without combat

• Encourage roleplay between party members

Use their past like a loaded crossbow—it doesn’t have to fire often, but everyone should feel the tension.

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Final Thoughts

The Charlatan background is about masks—both the ones we wear for others and the ones we hide behind for ourselves. It’s ideal for players who enjoy social play, moral ambiguity, and character growth driven by consequence.

Eventually, every Charlatan must decide:
When the lies fall away… who’s left?

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!