You are a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office. You and your family owns land and you are on the rise to wielding significant political influence. You might be a scoundrel with a disproportionate sense of entitlement who acts in a manipulative and devious way, typically to gain advancement within an organization, and cons your way into office or you could be an honest, hard-working individual who cares deeply about the people and was elected because you are keenly aware of your responsibility to them.
Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate title and determine how much authority you position carries. A political role stands on its own and your actions and those of your family can determine whether or not you keep your position. Not only do you need to determine your political views, beliefs and what you are campaigning for, you should also work with the DM to describe your family and their influence on you. They may not be able to use the authority of your position, but they can influence your decisions.
Is your family old and established, or has your political campaign only recently brought them into the spotlight? How much influence do they wield, outside of politics, and over what area? How does your family feel about you entering into the field of politics? Are any of your other family members political? Do you work alongside them or are you on opposite ends? What kind of reputation does your family have among the aristocrats of the region; do they see your political moves as a threat or do they support you? How do the common people regard you and your family? Is your family a thorn in your side as you are trying to advance your political career or are they making decisions that help you to advance? How does the head of your family feel about your adventuring career? Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family?
Why would you start adventuring; are you trying to get away from an important issue that they are trying to force you to face or are you trying to show you are not afraid to get your hands dirty and help when you need to?
These details help establish your family and your title as features of the world of the campaign.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set. Calligrapher's Supplies. Painter's Supplies.
- Languages: Three of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, diplomat's pack, book pertaining to political interest, and a purse containing 15 gp.
Thanks to your political views and kind gestures, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in society and sometimes high society. The common folk make every effort to accommodate you and you feel comfortable in their presence. People of high birth, who share your views, treat you as a member of the same social sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to.
Suggested Characteristics
Politicians choose this path to either better the world or to further themselves. A political career comes with a plethora of responsibilities—to family, to the peoples' welfare, or even to the position itself. But this position is often a good way to undermine a noble.
| 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 people love me for my kindness and generosity. |
| 3 | No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses. |
| 4 | I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions. |
| 5 | I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations. |
| 6 | Despite my family feeling I am of higher status, 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 salt your fields. |
| 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 | Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil) |
| 5 | Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any) |
| 6 | It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will face any challenge to win the approval of my people. |
| 2 | My political alliances must be sustained at all costs. |
| 3 | Nothing is more important than my family. |
| 4 | I am in love with a political rival. |
| 5 | My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. |
| 6 | Everyone 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 my family 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 carnal pleasures. |
| 5 | In fact, the world does revolve around me. |
| 6 | By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family. |
Thanks to your political views and cons, people are inclined to think the worst of you. You are shunned from all societies, except for the corrupt. People of high birth, who share your views, treat you as a member of the same social sphere and you use each other to further your agendas. The common folk make every effort to denigrate you and you are slighted at every turn.
If your character has a politician background, you may select this background feature instead of Position of Esteem.
You are constantly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, but no one has enough on you to have you removed from office because you have gained the favor of a noble and their circle. No one but you knows who this noble is and, as long as your goals align, your enemies will be powerless.
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