The Berranie (pronounced bear-ran-EE) Seers are the spiritual and temporal guides for the nomadic gypsy tribes. These gypsies are flamboyant free traders who wander the land. They are free and frivolous, often having very little regard for the laws of the nations that they pass through. These gypsy tribes make their way in the world through quackery, entertainment, mercantilism, tinkering, confidence games, and outright theft. The gypsies are supposedly protected by a curse that strikes down any who attempt to do them harm for selfish or unjust reasons. This may be true or, as is more likely, it may be a rumor started by the gypsies themselves (who have been known to shade the truth from time to time).
Like their non-psionic brethren, the Berranie Seers dress in outlandishly garish clothes, have a loose interpretation of personal property, and are extremely passionate people who can be violent when roused to anger. All gypsies who possess psionic ability are called Berranie. The most experienced Berranie of each clan is chosen as the gypsy leader’s advisor. Another Berranie is allowed to travel with each clan as an apprentice, but all others of marrying age or older are sent from the clan to gain experience in the wide world. When the adviser dies, all Berranie born of that clan are summoned to choose a successor. It is unknown how the gypsies choose which seer is the most qualified, but the decision is never questioned.
The Berranie kit cannot be abandoned.
Role
To the gvpsies, the Berranie is a respected member of the clan (regardless of the seer’s age) and will be treated with respect by all gypsies, regardless of clan. A clan will offer a Berranie Seer hospitality for no longer than a single night, however, unless the Berranie in question is the advisor or apprentice advisor to that clan. Outsiders’ opinions of Berranie varies. They are seen as anything from villainous charlatans to lovable rogues, depending on the attitude taken toward the gypsies as a group.
Distinctive Appearance
Outlandishly garish clothes.
Special Benefits
The Berranie may learn any rogue proficiency at normal cost.
Special Hindrances
Most law-enforcement officials and authority figures have an aversion to gypsies in their jurisdiction. This translates into a -1 to reaction rolls when dealing with officials, guardsmen, clerks, and sheriffs in their official capacities.
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