Why Become a Bawd?

So what is the allure of being a Bawd?

An Aversion to Hard Work - Back breaking work at the docks isn't for everyone. Nor is slaving away for some alchemist or physician who seems more concerned about how clean their equipment is rather than passing on the knowledge you were taught. Whatever the reason, you've found that the lifestyle of a bawd, the social interactions is a lot easier than slaving away for someone who doesn't acknowledge your contribution. And with a work ethic like this, you'll probably find it difficult to ever move on!
Living by Your Wits - Some people are enamored with the thought of getting by with the tools one is given: Wits. Fast talking, con jobs, manipulating people, always staying a step ahead, some people never feel alive unless they've got something to constantly keep them on their toes - and this life is one requiring a bawd to always stay on top, always stay alert, and always keep the eyes peeled for the next big opportunity.
Seduced by the Lifestyle - Some do the job because they love the fringe benefits, the cons, the drugs, the sex, the stolen goods… Being a Bawd is about meeing peoples' needs, and for some bawds, meeting your own needs along the way is one of the perks! Many students and others who hire bawds often themselves become bawds, deriving so much pleasure and knowledge from their own experiences.
Social Butterfly - Some people unwittingly become Bawds. They just like to socialize, meet new people, and over time people turned to them for information of for other services: they didn't seek the career out, the career sought them out. These Bawds are often the most successful, with an easy going casual lifestyle, one that seems less driven by profit and more driven by the force of their personality.
Specialized Knowledge - Not everyone succeeds in their career, some fail to make the next move. Students who train in medicine or the like can often find that less legitimate groups and individuals often find a use for their skills.

Who would become a Bawd?

Alchemist's Apprentice - Slaving over hot furnaces, sweeping up powders, meticulously cleaning various alchemical apparatuses, and not getting paid! It doesn't take much to distract the uncommitted or unhappy apprentice to an alchemist. Few legitimate and established alchemists would risk their livelihood and reputations to manufacture illegal drugs and chemicals - but many apprentices are not so principled.

Noble - Surrounded by excess - the danger of indulgence is great. Some have not the sufficient moral fiber to escape their desires and revel in the carnal. The noblemen who have become bawds see themselves as "gentleman adventurers", or more commonly, "ramblers". For those most part, the nobility that embrace this lifestyle are regarded well by their kin as connoisseurs of the finer things in life, ales, art, pipeweed, wine and the like. While many have darker motivations and pursuits, this is the image commonly espoused of the rambler. As of late, the ramblers have turned to pen and ink, sampling the pleasures of town and cities, the inns, taverns, and more tellingly, houses of ill-repute, and documenting their suggestions for other ramblers who purchase these "Rambling Guides".

Physician's Student - Physician's Students often pick up knowledge about illnesses and diseases that often provide them with contacts among those who provide sexual services, while others use their knowledge of medicines and drugs to provide illicit concoctions for their clientele. Both of these services allow for numerous opportunities at exploring the seedier or more decadent sides of the Old World. Such activities rarely meet the approval of their mentors; usually those disgruntled or shamed students who have left their masters become bawds, a few manage to continue their apprenticeship by pursuing their bawdish career secretly on the side.

Student - Few students are as dedicated to their studies as their tutors would like, many more indulge in the more carnal of studies. Many, free from the bounds of their parents and other authority figures revel in the liberties they can take. Studies can be neglected, and it is a short journey from employing the services of a bawd to performing the services of a bawd.

Wizard's Apprentice - The demands of being a Wizard's apprentice are particularly grueling. Many begin with an inflated sense of the power they'll shortly wield, the long hours of menial chores and mind-numbing studying. Like the other students, a handful become disillusioned and turn to other pursuits they find more pleasing.