The Social Climber's Progeny Image

Your family cares almost solely for status, power, and appearances. They are relentless in their pursuit to be a part of the upper echelons of society. Because of this, many choices in your childhood and adolescence were out of your control. Were you made to show off a special skill to bring honor to your family? Were you pushed to gather information and secrets to help your family get ahead? Did you marry someone you didn't love to gain status for your family? 

When you spend time with your family, true connection is hard to find as they are quick to steer every conversation toward their goals. Do you enjoy the pursuit of power like they do? Or does it feel challenging to want something different than the life your family is creating for you? Was it always like this?

At the end of the day, you are an individual (even if your family doesn''t seem to understand that). Will you follow in your parents footsteps for money and power or forge a different path? Either way, you're about to start an adventure on your own.

 
Skill Proficiencies: Living amongst the gentry has taught you much and more about how you are seen by others and what lurks beneath the surface. You are proficient in Insight. 
History is doomed to repeat itself, perhaps in your favor. You are proficient in History.
Tool Proficiencies: Finding a point of connection amongst the elites is essential to moving up in the world. Choose either a gaming set or a musical instrument.
Sometimes, gaining social status calls for more unsavory methods. Choose a kit out of the following: Disguise Kit, Poisoner's Kit, Forgery Kit, Thieves' Tools.
Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a game set and musical instrument of your choice, the tool kit of your choice,  a set of weighted dice,  and a belt pouch containing 30 gp
 
How to Get Ahead

Every social climber has an angle they use to get ahead. Even if you might prefer a different path you know how to play the game. Choose a favorite approach or roll on the table below.

 

d8 How to Get Ahead
1 I am courting, married to, or am the stepchild of nobility.
2 I always say yes to a person of higher status.
3 I am a storyteller and a social butterfly. People love to be near me and hear my stories (true or not). Maybe this comes in the form of gossip, my good deeds, my tragedies, or maybe its all a ruse to get ahead.
4 I love to listen and ask questions, which often means I learn secrets.
5 I am talented. My skill or skills gain me favor and popularity.
6 I am a theif. I have stolen many items of value and sold them to increase my families riches.
7 I find my willingness to use weapons handy to curry favor or get something I want.
8 I am ruthless. I use everything and anything to get what I want.
 
Feature: Climb the Ladder

You know and have met any number of powerful people across the land—and some of them might even remember you. You might be able to wrangle minor assistance from a major figure in the campaign, at the DM's discretion.  Additionally, you know who the movers and shakers are in major cities and towns (from the highest of the high, to the lowest of the low), whom to go to for the favors you seek, and what the current intrigues of interest in the group are. 

 
Suggested Characteristics

The progeny of social climbers must deal with a position in life they didn't ask for, reputation by association, and expectations they can never hope to meet. These hardships can have adverse effects, but those who cope with them can arrive at a decent attitude and a grounded worldview. Those who fail to meet their parents expectations become bitter—or worse.

d8 Personality Trait
1 Flattery is my preferred trick for getting what I want.
2 I'm a born gambler who can't resist taking a risk for a potential payoff.
3 I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy.
4 The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it.
5 Living up to my family's expectations will be difficult, but I'm going to do it.
6 No one can fake a smile, a handshake, or an interested nod like I can.
7 I've been around the elite since I was old enough to walk. Let me explain a few things to you.
8 To prosper, you have to be in control.
d8 Ideal
1 Altruism. I want to make the world a better place. I can only do that if I rise to the top and be a changemaker. (Good)
2 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)
3 Confusion. As they say, "Chaos is a ladder." Strike from where your foes won't expect. (Chaotic)
4 Stability. Not knowing where I stand in society is too chaotic for me. I need to create a place for myself so I don't need to worry. (Lawful)
5 Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without coddling from my family. (Chaotic)
6 Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
7 Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)
8 Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good)
d8 Bond
1 I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2 My house's alliance with a noble family must be sustained at all costs.
3 A servant gave me more love and affection than my family every did. I will do anything to make sure they are happy.
4 I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
5 The elite must see me as an equal.
6 I was bullied by a noble. One day they will be sorry for what they did.
7 I want to be famous, whatever it takes.
8 I ruined a person who didn't deserve it to get ahead. I seek to atone for my misdeeds but might never be able to forgive myself.
d8 Flaw
1 You. Fetch my cloak. And maybe rub my feet for a while.
2 I have to pay attention to survive. It's important to me that you know that I know things. Did I ever tell you about...
3 You have to look out for yourself. No one else will.
4 I'm too greedy for my own good. I can't resist taking a risk if there's money involved.
5 I hate to admit it and will hate myself for it, but I'll run and preserve my own hide if the going gets tough.
6 By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family.
7 I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures.
8 I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever.
 

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The Social Climber's Progeny Image

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