
Being royal isn't always as glamorous as it seems to be. There's a lot of pressure and not just socially. Piss off the wrong wizard; make enough "noble" enemies; govern people too hard or not hard enough, and you might just loose your head, literally. So needless to say not everyone's cutout for that life, but you can't just leave, right? Well you did anyway. Maybe you just ran away and some relation was set to inherit the throne instead, maybe you were kicked out for doing something you shouldn't have, maybe you were never a legitimate child and after your parents' death you were ostracized, maybe you faked your death, or maybe you just wanted to find out what normal people get to feel like. Wether you left on good or bad terms from your station, you're out now at least.
Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate title you've left behind and determine wether you're home free or need to keep a low profile for now after leaving this title. A royal title doesn’t stand on its own—it’s connected to an entire monarchy, and depending on the severity of the title and type of family you had, they might just ex-communicate you or they might want to executed you. Not only do you need to determine your former title, but you should also work with the DM to describe your family and their influence on you.
If your family old and established they'll probably not be too happy with you leaving, or was your title only recently bestowed and therefore replaceable? How much influence do they wield to find you, and over what area, or do they want to keep you away? What kind of reputation does your family have among the other aristocrats of the region and how have you affected it? How do the common people regard this potential scandal?
What was your position in the family? Were you the heir of the family title? Did you already inherit the title? Did the responsibility of that make you leave or was the yearn for true freedom simply too great and you gave in ? Or were you so far down the line of inheritance that no one cared what you did, so you wanted to see how they'd react when you left? How does the head of your family feel about your disappearance? Or did you make up an elaborate lie to mask your plans and it's only a matter of time before they figure out your not coming back?
These details are helpful to consider when establishing why you left your family and your title.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception & Performance
- Tool Proficiencies: Forgery Kit & Dragonchess Set
Even though you may have left the royal life behind you there are still benefits to being even former royalty. Most nobles still treat you as one of their own and a simple lie or proper nudge here and there can get you into almost any party you choose. But you've also made some friends with people of much lower social standing while escaping from royalty. This means you can get the latest dirt on just about any high standing nobles or royals, which makes you dangerous socially and politically.
Suggested Characteristics
d8 | Personality Trait |
---|---|
1 | I try to be as inconspicuous as possible. |
2 | I don't really go with the flow, I'm really more of a rebel. I just like to do my own thing, and can't stand when people try controlling me. |
3 | I love expensive things. Good food and fine fashion always make for excellent company. |
4 | My eloquent flattery makes it incredibly hard to tell if I'm being sincere or mocking. |
5 | I don't mind if I have to get my hands dirty, and I can live with less than fine accomodations. |
6 | I try my hardest to be like the common folk, but I'm hesitant to give in completely. |
7 | I've burned enough bridges to know everyone deserves a second chance. |
8 | No matter what I'm still royalty and our grudges are legendary. |
d5 | Ideal |
---|---|
1 | Respect. Respect is due to all people regardless of station. We should treat everyone with dignity. (Good) |
2 | Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Lawful) |
3 | Freedom. No one can tell me how to live my life, not even a king. (Chaotic) |
4 | Revenge. If I destroy my families reputation then they'll be where I am now. (Evil) |
5 | Protection. What little I have left must be kept safe above all. (Any) |
d1 | Bond |
---|---|
1 | I left for love so I will find (or keep) my lover. |

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