You were once a king, queen, emperor, or empress, ruling over a kingdom, country, or continent. You used to live lavishly, clothed in the softest silks and wool, gorging yourself on the most delectable foods, sheltered by the largest and most expensive quarters. Now you are nothing, holding not even a sliver of the privilege and respect you once had.
How long were you or your family in power? Were you of lower status before becoming nobility? Do you have other family or friends in upper class positions? Were you a cunning ruler or naive? Does the common folk's way of living baffle you? Do you know how to survive without the help of staff or guards? Are you willing to embrace the life of lower status or will you fight to regain your power?
Whether a foreign power swept in and stole it all, or your own people turned against you, you must move on. Its suggested to work with your DM to establish just how you lost everything and how your past nobility affects your choices and interactions.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Insight, and Performance
- Languages: Common and 1 of your choice.
- Equipment: Diplomat's Pack and 1 magic item.
As someone who has worked with rich and influential people, you have an easier time reading the room and body language. You are not very easily deceived and you can tell when someone does not mean what they say. Every person has a tell and you can exploit that as much as you want. You have an advantage in every Insight check.
You can also assess anyone's status or relative ranking in society by interacting with said NPC or PC for more than 10 minutes.
Suggested Characteristics
Most lords and ladies are molded by their advisors and their experience ruling. Your study of history, politics, and finance affects you just as much as your prior relationships while in power. Your flaws may be caused by your disconnect to normal citizens or hypocrisy towards peasants, or your need to rule again.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I only speak properly and have a hard time understanding informal speech or slang. |
| 2 | I will never do the hard or dirty work, I am too important. |
| 3 | After being dethroned I now understand and appreciate what common folk must go through and do to survive. |
| 4 | Although I have nothing to my name, my formal education and past experiences still makes me better than you. |
| 5 | I spend most of my money on unimportant materialistic things. |
| 6 | I've learned to survive on little and I'm enjoying life more than ever. |
| 7 | I don't talk about my time as ruler, unless you get me drunk enough. |
| 8 | I never saw myself above anyone and I still don't |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Honor: Although I have lost it all I still carry my family name and must never dishonor them. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Freedom: Since being free of all responsibility, I will do whatever I want. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Knowledge: To regain my power, I must self-improve and learn all that I can. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Friendship: Material things come and go, friendships last forever. (Good) |
| 5 | Power: If I can get my position back, none will be able to tell me what to do. (Evil) |
| 6 | People: I'm committed to my kingdom, not to any ideals. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | Although I was dethroned, my family is still considered in a noble position. |
| 2 | I have angered many villages and kingdoms during my ruling. |
| 3 | My own subjects took away my power and I barely escaped with my life. |
| 4 | I was betrayed and overthrown by an allied nation. |
| 5 | My subjects still love and support me, even if I'm not in power. |
| 6 | I still have strong ties to many in the upper class. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | People of lower status are not worth my time. |
| 2 | I use my family's privilege as an excuse to get away with anything. |
| 3 | I truly believe the world revolves around me. |
| 4 | I will insist I'm correct even when I know I'm wrong. |
| 5 | I can't help but chase after shiny and flashy things. |
| 6 | I am easily bought or bribed. |
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