Tyrants are cunning and deadly nobles in courts. A humble noble ruling over an isolated, small piece of land may find the rulership easy and sweet, but this is never the case in the real courts of powerful kingdoms. There, you are in a constant deathmatch that is fought with words and gestures. One reckless step out of place can cause you to be seen as weak and unworthy, and there are many other nobles out there who are more than eager to bring you down.

You may have been raised to be an embodiment of honor, justice, and valor. Yet, you may have seen in time that these are not the actual tools a ruler might need. Being just when a peasant is wronged by a landowner, for example, can result in the nobility leading an organized rebellion against you. Similarly, letting a rival get away when you are able to kill them can result in that person blackmailing or backstabbing you months later. Showing valor in a battlefield at the front lines may result in a reckless arrow “accidentally” or “unluckily” finding your neck.

The truth is, commoners, nobles, and all the other parts of a monarchy, desire a stable home, above all other things. You cannot make excuses about how honorable or compassionate you have acted if your lands are struck with invasion, economic hardships, or other instabilities that were schemed about by your rivals who are not bound by your codes and do not play the game according to such virtuous rules. 

All in all, you have realized that you must be a tyrant. You may be one out of mere necessity and your heart may ache with all the things you have to do. You may also enjoy your tyrannical and merciless rule, indulging and reveling in all the power it brings.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Intimidation, Persuasion

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, and a purse containing 25 gp

Suggested Characteristics

A tyrant’s lifestyle is quite different from that of the commoners because of the noble blood they carry. They have a vast number of privileges, but have just as many burdening responsibilities. Deep inside, they know they also are the prisoners of their own tyranny; every action they take is interpreted as some part of a political strategy, everything they say can be used against them as a juridical statement. On the other hand, if they are willing to sacrifice their morals and ideals, these shackles of their nobility can become the very tools of their power.

d8	Personality Trait
1	In a world run by politics where all parties involved are ready to oppress the weak, I maintain a powerful and dreadful image.
2	The mechanics of politics require ruthlessness and I have learned its ways well.
3	I enjoy domination and relish in power; it’s invigorating to see how much a tyrant can do or accomplish with power.
4	I rule in keeping with the commands of my deity and all my actions are guided by my religion.
5	It is my duty, as per the law, to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety or prosperity of my dominion.
6	The personality I employ for my title’s sake is entirely different than my own, and I cannot let one get in the way of the other.
7	I have reached and secured my position because I do whatever necessary, without concerning myself with morality.
8	I never really wanted to rule but now I am stuck with my title and cannot step down.

d6	Ideal
1	Vigilance. Any threat to my authority, big or small, must be eliminated quickly. (Evil)
2	Dominion. It is my duty to rule and the duty of all others is to serve me. (Lawful)
3	Opportunity. Everyone, allies and foes alike, are made to be used and discarded for power. (Chaotic)
4	Devotion. I am chosen to rule, my words and actions are divine. (Evil)
5	Control. Maintaining a healthy dose of fear is of the essence. (Neutral)
6	Power. I live to reap and enjoy the fruits of my tyranny to the fullest. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I am bound to my position with a sense of duty and I cannot step down from my throne.
2	My power stands on the provisions of other nobles or of someone powerful.
3	I made a promise of conquest to my people, family, or ancestors. I must fulfill my promise.
4	I will see my rival dead before me.
5	I wish to transcend the boundaries of mortality through heritage, magic, or historical significance.
6	I must do whatever it takes to keep my dominion stable and safe.

d6	Flaw
1	I am too eager to punish or execute my retainers.
2	I cannot bear to see all the wrong that I have done to keep my position secure.
3	I give in to my arrogance, and disrespect those in higher positions.
4	I am too trusting of my allies and followers.
5	I want to care about the common folk, but my position seems to keep me from it.
6	I secretly can’t help but feel weak whenever I am challenged.