You understand wealth, power, and privilege. You carried a noble title, and your family owned land, collected taxes, and wielded significant political influence. But then, for some reason, you were cast out of that life.
This background is a combination of Estranged Royal and an external linked background called Estranged Noble, along with some of the original Noble background, combined to fit the specific needs of a campaign.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, and a purse containing 10 gp
Through a mix of confidence, desperation, and practice you’ve learned to adopt the mannerisms and speech patterns of the common folk without forgetting the education you received on how to act like a proper person of nobility. When you wish to pass as a commoner you may easily do so. You can fluidly switch between both ways of holding yourself such that only the keenest of observers would ever suspect you to be a noble when you were attempting to pass as a commoner. You can also choose not to hide your nobility, using it to gain access in to certain events or places as described in the Noble background (Player’s Handbook pg 135), which may or may not come with consequences.
Suggested Characteristics
You have a foot in both worlds.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I believe good manners to be of the upmost importance. |
| 2 | Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood. |
| 3 | I have a great lust for the finer things in life. |
| 4 | I know quite a bit of history and like to talk about how it relates to the situation. |
| 5 | Now that I am not obligated, I am finally free to see the world and would very much like to do so. |
| 6 | I’ve lead a sheltered life and many of the customs I encounter are strange and foreign to me. |
| 7 | My favor, once lost, is lost forever. |
| 8 | I can often be seen contemplating the small keepsake I took from my home. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. People are to be judged on their actions, and treated as good until proven otherwise. (Good) |
| 2 | Revenge. No injury should go unanswered. (Evil) |
| 3 | Independence. No power in the realms can tell a person what to do with their life. Everyone is entitled to a choice. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Greed. Without my house to provide for me, I will need to amass a fortune to provide the lifestyle I am accustomed to. (Evil) |
| 5 | Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any) |
| 6 | Noble Obligation. Estranged or not, it is my duty to help and protect the realm. (Good) |
| d7 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I hold the key to the salvation of my house and name. |
| 2 | I still love the person I was pledged to/married to, but my situation prevents me from pursuing them. |
| 3 | Nothing is more important than the other members of my family. |
| 4 | A cruel relative betrayed my parents, taking my birthright and denying me the seat of power I was entitled to. |
| 5 | My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. |
| 6 | My newly impoverished lifestyle has given me an appreciation for the suffering of the common folk. |
| 7 | My signet is my most prized possession. |
| d8 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I would openly defend my family’s name and honor no matter the situation. |
| 2 | I look down on people who lack education. |
| 3 | I fall quickly and completely in love at the drop of a hat. |
| 4 | I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures. |
| 5 | In fact, the world does revolve around me. |
| 6 | I totally lack money management skills. |
| 7 | I’d rather see my inheritance burn than in the hands of whoever has it now. I carry that belief to all possessions I think I should have. |
| 8 | I’m used to getting my way simply because I want it. |
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