Royal Bastard

You are the unacknowledged offspring of royalty, a secret whispered in hushed tones among the elite. Though born out of wedlock, your royal blood has granted you a unique position within society, treading the line between privilege and exclusion. Your birth may have been shrouded in scandal or concealed to protect the reputation of the ruling family.

You may have grown up hidden away in a secluded estate, receiving clandestine visits from your noble parent. Or perhaps you were brought up in the main palace, mingling with other royals, but always with an invisible barrier separating you from them. Alternatively, you could have been raised away from the royal court, only to discover your lineage in your later years.

While you didn't inherit the official rights and titles of your legitimate siblings, your connection to the throne is undeniable. You have had access to some of the finest education and tutors, giving you a unique blend of courtly knowledge and outsider perspective.

The palace of Waterdeep might have been where you learned the delicate dance of politics, or the Court of Silverymoon where you picked up the arts and etiquette. In Neverwinter or Baldur’s Gate, you could have discreetly exercised influence, wielding power from the shadows. The towering castle of Daggerford might bear memories of clandestine family reunions or secret training sessions.

Your ambiguous status could be a double-edged sword, a point of resentment for legitimate heirs or a valuable tool of diplomacy and intrigue for the crown. As you embark on your adventuring journey, your royal connections and the skills you've acquired can prove invaluable, even as you grapple with your own identity and what it means to be a child of royalty without the crown.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight or Persuasion, Intimidation or Deception

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one type of gaming set and one type of intrigue tools

Languages: Choose one language

Equipment: A set of fine clothes and a pouch containing 50 gp

Suggested Characteristics

The noble court or bureaucratic organization where you got your start is directly or indirectly associated with your bond (which could pertain to certain individuals in the group, such as your sponsor, protector, or mentor). Your ideal might be concerned with the prevailing philosophy of your court or organization. Alternatively, any of these choices may pertain to what your bastard wishes to achieve. 

d8	Personality Trait
1	I constantly feel the need to prove my worth, not just as royalty, but as a person of merit.
2	The mysteries of my lineage often make me introspective, pondering my place in the world.
3	Despite my heritage, I've developed a deep compassion for commoners, often preferring their company to the nobility.
4	I wear my royal connection as a shield, using it to gain respect, but internally, I'm always on guard.
5	A part of me craves validation from the royal family, yet another part wants to carve a distinct identity separate from them.
6	I have a knack for diplomacy and subtle manipulation, learned from observing court politics from the sidelines.
7	I cherish the few genuine friendships I have, as I've often felt alone amidst the intrigue of courtly life.
8	My ambiguous status has made me a keen observer of human nature; I can often predict people's intentions and motivations before they reveal them.

d6	Ideal
1	Legitimacy. No matter my birth, I strive to earn my place in the world and be recognized for my deeds rather than my bloodline. (Any)
2	Equality. All should be treated fairly, regardless of their lineage or background. Nobility doesn't grant one superiority. (Good)
3	Revenge. Those who scorned and belittled me due to my birth will come to regret it. (Chaotic)
4	Acceptance. I seek the embrace and acknowledgment of the royal family, believing in the unity of blood. (Lawful)
5	Independence. My lineage does not define me. I will carve out my own path, separate from the shadow of royalty. (Neutral)
6	Ambition. I aim to rise above the limitations set by my birth and achieve great power and influence in the world. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I seek to earn my place amongst the royals, not for power, but for acceptance.
2	I am determined to protect my family, even if they don't know or acknowledge our connection.
3	My legitimacy and rights were usurped by a treacherous relative. I aim to expose their deceit.
4	The place where I grew up, away from the royal court, remains dear to my heart, and I'll protect it at any cost.
5	A prophecy or prediction links my destiny to the future of the kingdom, but I'm unsure whether it bodes well or ill.
6	I've been in love with a noble, but our stations and my birthright keep us apart. I long to find a way to be with them.

d6	Flaw
1	Despite my connections, I constantly fear being viewed as lesser than true-born royals.
2	I harbor deep resentment for the parent who never officially acknowledged me, and it clouds my judgment.
3	Trust doesn't come easy to me; I often believe others are trying to use my lineage against me.
4	Being in the shadow of the royal family, I've developed a habit of overcompensating, leading me to make rash decisions.
5	My status has made me paranoid, and I sometimes see plots and betrayals where none exist.
6	I possess an insatiable desire to be recognized and legitimized, even if it means undermining others in the court.