“I thought I was a knight of the highest skill and grace when I received the royal invitation. I soon learned I was both a weakling and a novice…”

A native or a long-time dignitary of Muhana’s Golden Court, you have balanced the art of courtly graces with the court’s demands for displays of military prowess from all its guests and residents.

Source: The Player’s guide to Altoras, Version 1.1 , Dungeons and Do-Gooders West Marches campaign setting.

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Persuasion

Languages: Draconic; one language of your choice

Equipment: Fine clothes, a velvet purse containing 25 gp, a trophy from royal contest, and a letter of recommendation from the Golden Court.

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for the guild artisan background in the Player’s Handbook as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a courtier.

The noble court or bureaucratic organization where you got your start is directly or indirectly associated with your bond (which could pertain to certain individuals in the group, such as your sponsor or mentor). Your ideal might be concerned with the prevailing philosophy of your court or organization.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I can’t help it—I’m a perfectionist.
2	I’m a snob who looks down on those who can’t appreciate fine art.
3	I always want to know how things work and what makes people tick.
4	I’m full of witty aphorisms and have a proverb for every occasion.
5	I’m rude to people who lack my commitment to hard work and fair play.
6	I like to talk at length about my profession.
7	I don’t part with my money easily and will haggle tirelessly to get the best deal possible.
8	I’m well known for my work, and I want to make sure everyone appreciates it. I’m always taken aback when people haven’t heard of me.

d6	Ideal
1	Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. (Lawful)
2	Generosity. My talents were given to me so that I could use them to benefit the world. (Good)
3	Freedom. Everyone should be free to pursue his or her own livelihood. (Chaotic)
4	Greed. I’m only in it for the money. (Evil)
5	People. I’m committed to the people I care about, not to ideals. (Neutral)
6	Aspiration. I work hard to be the best there is at my craft. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	The workshop where I learned my trade is the most important place in the world to me.
2	I created a great work for someone, and then found them unworthy to receive it. I’m still looking for someone worthy.
3	I owe my guild a great debt for forging me into the person I am today.
4	I pursue wealth to secure someone’s love.
5	One day I will return to my guild and prove that I am the greatest artisan of them all.
6	I will get revenge on the evil forces that destroyed my place of business and ruined my livelihood.

d6	Flaw
1	I’ll do anything to get my hands on something rare or priceless.
2	I’m quick to assume that someone is trying to cheat me.
3	No one must ever learn that I once stole money from guild coffers.
4	I’m never satisfied with what I have—I always want more.
5	I would kill to acquire a noble title.
6	I’m horribly jealous of anyone who can outshine my handiwork. Everywhere I go, I’m surrounded by rivals.