You were born into power, heir to a throne or an honored member of a ruling family. From a young age, you were taught the history of your lineage, the customs of court, and the delicate art of diplomacy. Your life was one of immense privilege and equally immense responsibility. You have spent your life surrounded by attendants, tutors, and sycophants, and you might have been shielded from the harsh realities of the world. Now, for reasons of your own—whether it be to escape a life of rigid protocol, to prepare for your reign, or to track down a threat to your family—you have left the comfort of your royal life to seek adventure. You have a name that opens doors, but you must learn to navigate a world that doesn’t always bow to a crown.
Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion Languages: One of your choice Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring of your royal house, a scroll detailing your lineage, and a pouch containing 25 gp.
- Feat: Your noble lineage and the respect (or fear) it commands allows you to hold influence far beyond your means. You can gain an audience with minor nobility, high-ranking military officials, and even other monarchs, provided you can prove your identity and the importance of your request. People who recognize your name will often offer assistance, be it a place to stay, a mounted guard, or information, though they might expect a favor in return.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring of your royal house, a scroll detailing your lineage, and a pouch containing 25 gp.
Your noble lineage and the respect (or fear) it commands allows you to hold influence far beyond your means. You can gain an audience with minor nobility, high-ranking military officials, and even other monarchs, provided you can prove your identity and the importance of your request. People who recognize your name will often offer assistance, be it a place to stay, a mounted guard, or information, though they might expect a favor in return.
Suggested Characteristics
Royalty are often defined by the duality of their past and their present. They may be burdened by the weight of their legacy or eager to throw it off. The following tables offer a few options for personalizing a character with the Royalty background.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I carry the weight of my title with immense dignity, believing it is my duty to be a beacon of strength for my people. |
| 2 | I am deeply uncomfortable with my own privilege and prefer to blend in with common folk. |
| 3 | My manners are impeccable, but I tend to look down my nose at those I consider to be beneath me. |
| 4 | I’m used to having things done for me and have little patience for chores or hard labor. |
| 5 | I am a master of courtly intrigue and enjoy finding the hidden agendas of others. |
| 6 | I speak in formal, flowery language, even when talking to a goblin. |
| 7 | I am generous to a fault, always sharing what little I have to impress others. |
| 8 | I'm used to commanding, and I naturally take charge in any situation. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Duty. My station is my responsibility. I will ensure my people prosper. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Power. The crown is a tool, and I will use it to secure my own destiny. (Evil) |
| 3 | Generosity. The power I hold is a gift, and I must use it to bring joy and aid to the less fortunate. (Good) |
| 4 | Freedom. My true calling is to leave the confines of my title and make my own way in the world. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Noblesse Oblige. I must prove myself worthy of my rank through my actions, not just my name. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Legacy. The actions I take today will be written in the histories of my family for all time. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I must protect a family member from a political rival who seeks to seize power. |
| 2 | I am searching for a lost royal artifact that is critical to my kingdom’s security. |
| 3 | I'm secretly in love with a commoner, and I will do anything to be with them. |
| 4 | My land was overthrown, and I am the last of my line, desperate to reclaim what was lost. |
| 5 | A powerful rival family is hunting me down for a crime I didn’t commit. |
| 6 | I am a royal spy, tasked with a secret mission on behalf of my monarch. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a deep fear of crowds and cannot stand to be touched by strangers. |
| 2 | I have a short temper, and I resort to violence when my authority is challenged. |
| 3 | I am hopelessly naive about the true struggles of life outside the castle walls. |
| 4 | I am addicted to expensive goods and cannot resist the urge to buy something shiny. |
| 5 | I hold a deep resentment toward the common folk. |
| 6 | I believe that rules and laws don't apply to me because of my status. |
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