Your are not a noble, but you hold a degree of power and influence over the masses. You keep the gears of government turning through collecting taxes, managing state affairs, and making laws. You might be an ambitious opportunist seeking greater political power, or you might be an idealist seeking to better the lives of the common people according to some grand vision, or you might be a someone seeking only to do your job.

When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine what you worked for, what political party you belonged to (if applicable), what office you held, and how you attained your office. Were you elected to office, or were you chosen by a council, or were you appointed by your ruler? Perhaps you passed a stringent series of exams, or perhaps you bought your office from someone else, or perhaps you were recommended by an acquaintance.  

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 seal of officce, and a purse containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Unlike nobles, bureaucrats are not born with power and privilege in their hands but earn their offices through means fair or foul. These experiences often influence a bureaucrat’s personality for better or worse. Some bureaucrats are corrupt and self-serving, while others are honest and selfless. Bureaucrats may hold any number of loyalties. Some serve only themselves or a close circle of associates, while others serve their state, their people, their political faction, or their leader. The nature of civil service generally makes chaotic characters unfit for office. 

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 formal bearing that I am a cut above the ignorant masses.
4	I take great pains to always look my best and cultivate my public image.
5	I work tirelessly to fulfill the duties of my office.
6	Despite my high office, 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 make your life hell.

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	Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
4	Principle. Loyalty to my values or political party is paramount. (Lawful)
5	Civil obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good)
6	Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I will face down any obstacle to see my goals met.
2	The status quo must be sustained at all costs.
3	Nothing is more important than the other members of my political party.
4	It is my dream to reshape society according to my vision.
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 myself or my party 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 wealth and profit.
5	In fact, the world does revolve around me.
6	By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my party.