Growing up you were embroiled in the intrigues of court, every day you watched the other courtiers trying to manipulate each other or twisting the narrative. Of course, growing up that way you learned to twist the narrative yourself in order to defend yours and those you care about it, you are as familiar with a blade as you are with a tale. Every tool at your disposal can mean the difference between life and death, every word can change your life and so you are a master of intrigue.
- Skill Proficiencies: As a master of intrigue, you gain proficiency in Insight and one of the following;
- Tool Proficiencies: As a master of intrigue you have also mastered disguise, using it as a weapon against those who would oppose you. When you choose this background you gain proficiency with a disguise kit.
- Languages: Many members of a local court work to learn other languages to discreetly communicate with their allies when you choose this background you choose one additional language from this list which you use to communicate with your allies;
Court Origin
There are many ways to find yourself as part of the local court, be it beneath a baron or a king, and where you came from offers insight into why you are at the heart of so many rumours and happenings;
| d6 |
Court Origin |
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1
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Child of a minor noble
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2
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War hero
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3
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Guildmaster's aide
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4
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Child of a major noble
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5
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Second son of a monarch
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6
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Local Politician
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Feature: Glib Tongue
Your mastery of court intrigue is almost unmatched after decades of twisting the narrative, whenever you find yourself in a city where a court is held by the local nobility you cause quite the stir and begin to hear rumours about your fellow aristocrats, rumours that you can twist and amplify or stamp out in equal measure. Whenever you are in a city where you and your family are known you gain advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks to get the lay of the land and hear about court goings on, you also gain advantage on Charisma (deception) checks to spread rumours about members of the court throughout the court itself and the city.
Suggested Characteristics
As a master of intrigue, you are clever and cunning, you are one step ahead of everyone else at every turn and your motivations will play a large part in what you are involved in. Many members of local courts are young nobles looking to make a name for themselves but here and there merchants and commoners alike find their way to the table.
| d10 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I look after my allies, after all they may be reprehensible but they do my dirty work for me
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2
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Nobody can stand in my way, I will rise to the top and topple this establishment even if I have to burn it all down.
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3
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Toying with you all is so fun, why else would I do it?
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4
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Family is everything, everything I do is to look after them
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5
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I am a staunch follower of the faith, of course I would turn the court in their favour!
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6
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If you dare to even look at me I will put an end to your line, I will drag your name through hellfire and leave you with nothing, worm.
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7
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Once you lose my favour you shall never, ever regain it.
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8
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No matter what blood runs through my veins I am one of you, one of the people, and I shall look out for all.
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9
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I cannot stand corruption, I will burn it out and cleanse the wound for the people. For the kingdom.
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10
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I am loyal to a dead regime, I will fight to see it return because I believed in it.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Superiority, all who walk in my shadow must recognise the superiority of my birth. (Chaotic)
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2
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Responsibility, I will use my position and power for good. (Good)
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3
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Power, power and wealth are everything. (Evil)
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4
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Family, my family are my everything.
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5
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Equality, I was born a bastard and have been treated as inferior, this has to stop. (Chaotic)
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6
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Rules, even those playing the great game must follow the rules and laws. (Lawful)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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My family are on the side of wrong, they may think I serve their whims but I must bring them down and restore my family name.
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2
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I just want to live my life my way, marry who I wish to marry and serve the people as one of them. I will do everything I can to make this happen.
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3
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My loyalty to the crown is unwavering, even if the one wearing it is corrupt I will serve my kingdom till my death.
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4
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I must be a hero, to the people and the crown alike. Every lie I have told and rumour I have spread is to this end, I must be loved.
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5
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My siblings must be saved from the sovereign, my parents must be cast aside to do this and no matter what I will do this.
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6
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I need to do the right thing, I do not need to be admired or loved I just want to die knowing I did the best I could to be a good person.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I secretly despise anyone who is not of noble birth, why should I sully myself by suffering their presence?!
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2
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I do so love to drink, gamble and whore.
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3
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Everyone is slighting me, even their dark looks and false smiles are an intentional insult.
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4
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Discretion is overrated, I want everyone to know just how amazing I am.
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5
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A terrible secret I hold could ruin everything, it cannot get out.
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6
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Wherever I go I cause a scandal, my family hate it and are often ashamed of me.
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Contacts
Knowledge is power, especially in court, thus many masters of intrigue rely on local contacts to fuel their efforts. When you choose this background you choose two local contacts that you can call upon to perform simple tasks like start rumours or get you supplies though they will never put themselves in danger without good cause or compensation, after all they are just as ambitious as you;
| d8 |
Contact |
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1
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Master Of Ceremonies
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2
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Court Jester
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3
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Captain Of The Watch
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4
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Local Warlord
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5
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Mercenary Captain
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6
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Local Guild Artisan
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7
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Travelling Traders
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8
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Merchant Captain
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