The patriars of Baldur’s Gate live in the Upper City, where they host grand galas and flaunt cosmopolitan fashions, but are walled off from the poverty and squalor of the less fortunate districts and their neighborhoods. Although they might visit prosperous Bloomridge to try a fashionable restaurant or boutique, or watch a spectacle at the Oasis Theater. Unlike other patriars of Baldur's Gate you belong to a secret society called The Knights of the Shield. The Knights of the Shield have a knack for knowing just the right leverage to use against their opponents or their opponents tend to go missing.
For many years The Knights of the Shield their network of spies and informants to manipulate and influence social, economical and military developments across the sword coast as they saw them arise. Of course these machinations still benefited the members of the Shield in great measure.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: Jeweler's tools or Calligrapher's supplies
- Languages: infernal
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, and a purse containing 25 gp, Secret Token of the Knights of the Shield, A circular iron coin with a central eye, surrounded by diamond chips. Jeweler's tools or Calligrapher's supplies
Feature: Baldur’s Gate Feature: Dark Whispers
As a member of one of the elite families of Baldur’s Gate, you may pass through city gates without paying tolls, mingle among the Gate’s nobility unquestioned, and impress those on the lookout for wealthy patrons. You are welcome in the Upper City and may stay there after dark without being harassed or evicted. Your word is accepted over others’ without question, and any corruption among guards or government officials tends to work in your favor, not against you—at least until you make some effort to expose it.
In additions you know a secret meeting location of The Knights of the Shield in Baldur's Gate. For a proportional "fee" you may may gain a piece of blackmail against a rival (Treat this as if the player cast the Commune with Gargoth)
Suggested Characteristics
Patriars are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. A patriar's title comes with a plethora of bonds—responsibilities to family, to other patriars (including the sovereign), to the people entrusted to the family’s care, or even to the title itself. But this responsibility is often a good way to undermine a patriar. The Knights of the Shield put on a good and honorable front but also will take extreme measures to get ahead.
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Personality Trait |
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1
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My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
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2
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The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
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3
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The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable—or where such things could be hidden.
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4
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I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions.
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5
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I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations.
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6
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The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it.
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7
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My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
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8
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If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.
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Ideal |
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1
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People. I’m loyal to my friends, not to any ideals, and everyone else can take a trip down the Styx for all I care. (Neutral)
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2
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Honor. I don’t steal from others in the trade. (Lawful)
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3
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Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. (Chaotic)
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4
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Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
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5
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Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)
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6
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Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good)
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Bond |
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1
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I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor.
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2
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My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs.
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3
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My ill-gotten gains go to support my family.
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4
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I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
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5
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My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
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6
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I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for it.
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Flaw |
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1
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I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
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2
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I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever.
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3
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I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.
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4
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I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures.
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5
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In fact, the world does revolve around me.
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6
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An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I’m okay with that.
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