As a second or third cousin, perhaps by marriage, of one of the great noble families of Waterdeep you have access to the sort of contacts that others dream of. Human families who jealously guard their privilege and place in the City of Splendors, Waterdhavian nobles have a reputation across Faerûn for being eccentric, spoiled, venal, and, above all else, rich. You are taken care of but are not worthy of note and are not in line to inherit, which leaves you in a position to be trusted with the "necessary evils" that keep your family on top.
You spend your time preventing the worse parts of nobles' reputations and cleaning up after those with the family's surname. When someone says they "know someone, that knows someone, that knows someone", you are usually one of those three.
Work with your DM to come up with the family you are part of —there are around seventy-five lineages in Waterdeep, each with its own financial interests, specialties, and schemes. You might be part of the main line of your family, but are not in line to become its leader one day. Or you might be one of any number of cousins, with less prestige but also less responsibility.
- Skill Proficiencies: Chose one from: Investigation, Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One tool kit and one type of gaming set
- Languages: One language of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a brooch or signet ring and sealing wax, a scroll of pedigree, a flask of liquor and a skin of fine zzar or wine, a tool kit, a gaming set, a pen, ink, three sheets of parchment, a scroll case, and a purse containing 10 gp
You have a reliable and trustworthy contact who acts as your liaison to a network of other criminals. When in your home city, they can make introductions between you and other specialists; specifically, forgers, kidnappers, or black marketeers who can acquire or dispose of things for you. When buying or selling magic items as a downtime activity you have advantage (take the lower result) on the number of days to locate an auction or arrange a private meeting.
Through your experience dealing with law enforcement, you have connected with a few "flexible" guards of the city watch. When in your home city, they can help you prioritize an investigation, reduce it from jail time to a fine, or make it disappear.
You may not be a member of the thieves guild, but you are known by them to be a steady and reliable customer. When in your home city, on the Random Urban Encounters table ignore the Pickpocket result, instead you are Drafted by one of your contacts into some shady business when they call in a favor that you owe them; you may decline to engage with them at risk to you and your family's reputation.
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables for the noble background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a member of a Waterdhavian family.
Like other nobles, you were born and raised in a different world from the one that most folk know—one that grants you privilege but will only stretch so far. Your bond might be associated with your family alone, or it could be concerned with another noble house that sides with or opposes your own. Your ideal depends to some extent on how you view your role in the family, and how you intend to conduct yourself in the world at large as a representative of your house.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world. |
| 2 | The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity. |
| 3 | No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses. |
| 4 | I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions. |
| 5 | I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations. |
| 6 | Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood. |
| 7 | My favor, once lost, is lost forever. |
| 8 | If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil) |
| 5 | Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any) |
| 6 | Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family. |
| 2 | My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs. |
| 3 | Nothing is more important than the other members of my family. |
| 4 | I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises. |
| 5 | My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. |
| 6 | The common folk must see me as a hero of the people. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me. |
| 2 | I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever. |
| 3 | I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger. |
| 4 | I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures. |
| 5 | In fact, the world does revolve around me. |
| 6 | By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family. |
Comments