You were born of royal blood — but without a name that ever opened doors. As the illegitimate child of royalty, you walked the fine line between privilege and exile. You may have lived in the shadow of the court, or hidden far from it. Some see you as a threat. Others, as an opportunity.
Whether you seek to prove yourself, claim what was denied, or escape your bloodline entirely, your heritage clings to you like a crown of thorns.
- Ability Scores:
When choosing the Royal Bastard background, increase one of the following ability scores by +1:
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Charisma (for courtly presence and manipulation)
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Dexterity (for stealthy upbringing or dueling)
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Wisdom (for growing up always alert and wary)
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- Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice: Calligrapher's supplies, playing cards, or a musical instrument
- Languages: One of your choice (recommended a courtly or ancient language, such as Elvish, Draconic, or Celestial)
- Equipment:
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A signet ring (broken or defaced, or bearing a royal crest
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A fine cloak gifted from your noble parent (or a keepsake stolen in secret)
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A set of common clothes
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A purse containing 15 gp
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Though your claim may be unrecognized or buried in scandal, you carry the bearing — and knowledge — of court life. You can usually secure a private audience with lesser nobles or royal officials (though they may be suspicious or hostile). Additionally, once per long rest, you may call upon your noble lineage to gain advantage on a Charisma (Deception) or Charisma (Persuasion) check when dealing with nobility or courtly figures.
Suggested Characteristics
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak like a noble, even when it's dangerous. |
| 2 | I constantly weigh my words — I've been punished for saying the wrong thing. |
| 3 | I mask my pain with sarcasm and charm. |
| 4 | I have something to prove to the world — and myself. |
| 5 | I’m used to people underestimating me — I use it to my advantage. |
| 6 | I revere my parent… or loathe them beyond reason. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Legacy. I will earn my place in the histories. (Any) |
| 2 | Justice. Bastards should not be punished for their birth. (Good) |
| 3 | Power. One day, I’ll take what should have been mine. (Evil) |
| 4 | Independence. No crown defines me. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Tradition. I still follow the values of the court. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Truth. The lies of the court disgust me. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I keep a locket or token from my noble parent. |
| 2 | A noble sibling hates me — and I hate them back. |
| 3 | I have a secret child of my own, and they must never suffer as I did. |
| 4 | A loyal retainer or tutor raised me in secret. I owe them everything. |
| 5 | I made a vow to never return to the court — I fear what would happen. |
| 6 | I once glimpsed the throne, and it’s haunted my dreams ever since. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I crave recognition, even if it gets people hurt. |
| 2 | I despise being told what to do — even when it’s wise. |
| 3 | I hold grudges longer than kingdoms last. |
| 4 | I secretly believe I’m better than others. |
| 5 | I have a habit of gambling with secrets. |
| 6 | I can’t resist flaunting my connection to power. |
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