You are an assistant to members of the ruling class, politicians, or senior military officers. This position is often passed down from parents or other family members, and your family’s history is one of service and loyalty to those that retain your services. Your experience as a retainer gives you a thorough understanding of the underlying political, social, and cultural fabric of the society you live in as well as a certain degree of status amongst the working classes. You are particularly attuned to the unwritten rules of social exchange, and make a living out of anticipating the needs of your employer.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose any two from Animal Handling, Perception, History, Herbalism, or Nature.
- Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from Calligrapher tools; Cobblers tools; Cook’s utensils; Leatherworker’s tools; Tinker’s tools, or Traps and Snares.
- Languages: You may choose your employer's native language as a bonus language if it is different from your own.
- Equipment: Tools as per proficiency, a set of formal attire, and 20gp.
Retainer Role
There are different roles within the world of service, each also being tied to a particular sphere within your society of origin. Choose one from the table below or roll
| d8 |
Retainer Role |
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1
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Orderly. You are the assistant to a military officer, knight, or other high-ranking individual within a standing army. Your duties include personal assistance, errands and (sometimes) even assisting on the battlefield.
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2
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Majordomo. You are in charge of a large staff compliment within a noble household or wealthy estate. You oversee the smooth running of all services your masters may require.
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3
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Valet. You are the personal servant of a noble person or extremely wealthy individual. You keep their confidence and see to their every need as assistant, advisor and (sometimes) friend.
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4
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Au Pair. You serve as a surrogate parent for noble offspring and are responsible for your charges’ education, well-being and proper behavior.
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5
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Stable Master. You are in charge (or work in) the noble / royal stables where your duties include the care, breeding, and general wellbeing of your master’s mounts
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6
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Gamekeeper. You manage a noble estate’s forests and wildlife. Your duties may include assisting in the hunt, tracking and apprehending poachers, and even managing the noble family’s menagerie.
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7
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Mentor. You have an educated background that allows you to act as a mentor or tutor to either a noble-born adult or their children. Depending on the role, you may be called upon to advise on anything from appropriate dinner table etiquette to military strategy.
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8
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Dogsbody. You are at the lowest rung of a large staff complement of servants. You tend to be called upon to do the jobs nobody else wants to do, and remain mostly invisible and ignored by nobles and higher-ranked servants alike.
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Feature: A Society of servants
Your family’s ties to nobility and wealth afford you a measure of privilege often denied to regular members of the working class. You are welcome in the (servant’s quarters of) households of nobility and can generally rely on the protection and support of fellow retainers and support staff. You tend to know (or will be told) about the best places to find high-priced, high-quality items and equipment in the local area as well as current courtly gossip, providing there is a noble or wealthy hierarchy in place. Depending on your role (e.g majordomo vs dogsbody), such support may be given out of mutual respect or patronizing sympathy.
Suggested Characteristics
Retainers occupy a unique position inside noble-led and hierarchical cultures. They are at once invisible and present, ignorant and informed, servant and authority. A long tradition of service, an association with the powerful and wealthy, and a keen awareness of one’s place in society all inform the retainer’s behavior and motivations
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I am a refined and sophisticated specimen. I don’t demean myself by consorting with the great unwashed.
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2
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I observe the foibles and excesses of others (especially the wealthy) with detached amusement and a razor-sharp wit.
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3
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I am proudly working-class and see myself as salt-of-the-earth, dependable, and wholesome.
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4
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I am efficiency and order incarnate. I despise sloppy work, tardiness, and anything other than sheer perfection.
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5
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Life is there to be lived and enjoyed. I revel in the simple joys and never forget to count my blessings.
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6
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I am secretly a nice person. I seek justice and fair treatment for others even though I cultivate an air of detachment.
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7
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I find fulfilment in structure and knowing what is expected of me. I take pride in following instructions to the letter, even if it disadvantages me or others.
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8
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I excel at remaining unnoticed. I am the power behind the throne, the engine that makes things work, without the need for praise or recognition.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Service. My record and my family’s record of service and loyalty is worth more than anything. (Any)
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2
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Noble Certainty. In a world of chaos, the noble-born are beacons of light and order, and I am proud to be associated with them. (Lawful)
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3
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Realpolitik. In this world, there will always be haves and have-nots. It is always better to be associated with the haves, and I will do anything to maintain that privilege and connection to power. (Evil)
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4
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Discretion. One’s loyalty is one’s bond. I am a steel vault for the secrets of my masters and pride myself for always knowing when to intervene and when to leave things well alone. (Neutral)
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5
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Guidance. Helping others to improve themselves and nudging them in the direction of their better natures are worthy endeavors. (Good)
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6
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Bon Vivant . I enjoy the freedoms, privileges, and pleasures that a life associated with the rich and powerful affords me. (Chaotic)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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I am loyal to my master above all, even my own family’s well being.
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2
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I am a link in an unbroken chain of service and loyalty that stretches back for centuries. I will not let my family name down.
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3
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Common folk must see me as someone to aspire to if one works hard and with dedication.
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4
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It is my duty to protect my master or wards from harm (and occasionally from themselves).
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5
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I am complicit in a great injustice perpetrated by my master. I seek to redeem myself and find absolution.
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6
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I am secretly in love with someone of noble birth. I know it is hopeless but I can’t help myself.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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My loyalty and obedience are so automatic that I fear that I don’t have a will of my own anymore.
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2
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In my cutting wit and razor-sharp tongue, I often hide from great uncertainty and fear.
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3
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I am responsible for harm coming to a noble and this secret could destroy my family.
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4
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I am so controlled and correct that I often miss out on the joys that earthly passions bring.
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5
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I’m convinced that I am superior to most around me, even the masters I serve.
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6
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I dislike the company of those of my own class who are less fortunate, educated, or well-fed than me.
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