Heir’s Birthright

You come from a family on par with the nobility of your homeland, rich in power and wealth. You carry no title of nobility, though have the privilege to mingle amidst the upperclassmen and attend grand parties exclusive for those of high ranking. What this birthright might be is up to you; you may come from generations of wealth, made through hard work and perseverance, or a unsuspecting child, gifted an ancient power from birth. A cursed amulet passed child to child, given to you and granting you with the unimaginable. May it be powers or riches, curses or jewels, you have gained something many cannot achieve or hold.

Work with your DM to come up with a reasonable position of power, and how much power you hold. Whatever it may be always has a source— a long-lived family, passing down their right, a curse obtained by an ancestor and hastily given to escape their fates. This will, as well, be passed down to the next generation created after you. Not only do you need to determine what your position brings to you— such as how people view you, and how you can use your power to influence them— but to create a vivid image of how your birthright came to you, and what it was and is now.

Has the curse spanned back across generations, or only received upon your birth? How much influence do you have over the people with your power, and is it produced from awe or fear? What kind of reputation does this right cause you to have among the common folk and other upperclassmen in your region? Do people seek out what you have, or shy away from it?

What’s your position in the family? Are you preparing to inherit this power, or unaware that you would receive it at all? If you know, how do you feel about taking on the burden? Have you already recieved your birthright? How does the rest of the family feel about your inheritance? Are you shunned or accepted by your family? Did you earn this, or take it by force? Were you originally the first heir?

Does your family have a distinguishable symbol for your family name? Do you have signature colors? Is there an animal that represents your family line?

These details help establish your family and your powers as features of the world of the campaign.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set

Languages: Two of your choice, one exotic

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a mark of your power (amulet, birth mark, etc.), and a purse containing 15 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Many long to have or despise your power, seeking to take it or destroy it; due to this, there is always some unease traversing unfamiliar grounds. There’s always a collection of “what if”s in your mind, if you didn’t have the power. Despite how well you’re often treated, it can be disappointing to see how fake it is. Even with acceptance of your power, you have to be cautious to survive.

d9	Personality Trait
1	I have a sense of protectiveness over those weaker than me, knowing I could follow through with the idea.
2	No matter my power or the status earned from my birth, I treat everyone as equals.
3	I go through great lengths to hide what has been given to me, no matter the cost.
4	I am often merciful, but cause me or innocents pain, and there will be no saving you.
5	I hope people look up to me in their times of need, it gives me more purpose.
6	I do not place myself on a pedestal just for who or what I am.
7	I pride myself on what I have achieved to the point of arrogance.
8	I am unforgiving to those who betray my trust.
9	It’s almost laughable how naive I can be at times.

d7	Ideal
1	Justice. I will take this power by the reigns and guide it into creating a better world for everyone. (Good)
2	Loyalty. I will use my power as it’s expected of me to, and I’ll use it as I’m told by the higher authorities. (Lawful)
3	Liberty. I will break away from this family and this curse to create my own path. (Chaotic)
4	Power. I’ll use the ability granted to me to get what I want. (Evil)
5	Family. Using what has been passed down through generations, I’ll protect my family. (Any)
6	Good Will. My ability is a blessing, and I will use it for the people for nothing in return. (Good)
7	Conflict. A blessing and a curse, power more than I can handle. I don’t know what to do with it. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	My loyalty lies with my friends and found family, not with blood.
2	My family’s alliances with the surrounding nobility and cities must remain strong.
3	I am in love with someone that my family deems I cannot have.
4	I am destined to be someone great, a hero; I know I will be.
5	There will be glory in my future, so long as I strive toward it with my power.
6	Common folk and nobility hold respect for me, and I intend to keep it that way.

d6	Flaw
1	I hear the voices whisper secrets against my ear, and I listen.
2	If my family found out about my lover, we could both be ruined.
3	I hold a profound grudge for those who belittle me when they believe I cannnot hear.
4	Secretly, I believe my power can outbest many, and that I am better than most.
5	My carelessness and naivety could doom the family and its secrets.
6	Oftentimes I find myself using my family name and power to get whatever I please.