Born in the shadow of wealth, power, and privilege, your family owns land, collects taxes, and wields significant political influence—but are you accepted among them? You may be an acknowledged member of the family, a social outcast your peers pretend doesn’t exist, or a resentful scoundrel willing to do anything to claim your rightful place.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a memento from your non-noble parent, and a purse containing 25gp
Feature: Outsider's Perspective
Due to the circumstances of your birth, you are both part of high society and set apart from it. Some will treat you as a member of their social sphere and extend all courtesies due to the aristocracy. Others won't hesitate to deny you access. Regardless, a lifetime on the edge of nobility has granted you a keen eye for social maneuvers and power plays. Given a short time to observe, you can gain a good idea of the alliances and interests at play in a noble house or society gathering. You also have a knack for identifying at least one person you can trust wherever you go.
Suggested Characteristics
Some bastards, especially those welcomed by their birth families, take easily to aristocratic attitudes and ideals. Others never quite shake the sense of being born without favour, and are driven to prove themselves worthy of their bloodline. Some even reject their heritage altogether and strike out to forge their own destiny.
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Personality Trait |
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1
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I am adept at flattery, sincere or not.
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2
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I am known for my unusual affinity for the common folk and their plight.
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3
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I have no title, but I treat everyone as if they are of lower birth than me.
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4
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I take great pains to always present myself as the perfect example of nobility to compensate for my illegitimate status.
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5
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I am willing to get my hands dirty, and will do things for my family that others will not.
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6
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I have no illusions about how others see me and make no attempt to hide it—I flaunt it.
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7
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I know how to work the system my lack of title or name.
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8
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I never forget an injury or slight, and I will have my day.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Respect. A person’s value is not determined by their birth . (Good)
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2
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Responsibility. It is my duty to serve and advance my family’s name at the expense of my own ambitions, even if they don’t acknowledge me. (Lawful)
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3
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Independence. I will prove myself by making my own name and earning my own glory in spite of my birth — not because of it. (Chaotic)
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4
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Power. I will do anything to claim what is owed me. (Evil)
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5
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Loyalty. My family are the people I choose to trust, regardless of their birth. (Any)
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6
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Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people that serve my house. (Good)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
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2
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My birth and identity are a secret maintained at all costs to protect the name and interests of my family.
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3
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Nothing is more important than the members of my family.
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4
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I am in love with someone I can never be with due to my illegitimate birth.
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5
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I must locate my non -noble parent and discover what became of them.
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6
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The well -being of my non -noble parent depends on my never meeting them or discovering who they are.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
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2
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I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever.
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3
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I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.
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4
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I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures.
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5
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I believe I am unworthy of my privilege and deserve to be an outcast.
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6
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In my desperation to prove myself, I often bring shame to my house.
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