Noble's Retainer

You have devoted yourself to a noble individual or their house. Perhaps you are a typical servant, acting as a maid, butler or cook to attend to their everyday needs. Or perhaps a spy, covertly keeping an eye on their political rivals and courtly intrigue. A bodyguard is always by his master's side to protect them from danger, while a local craftsman with the favor of a local noble may only see his patronage rarely. Of course, sometimes rebellious young noble boys and girls isolated in their mansions like to run away every now and then to play with commoners their own age, forging genuine friendships that could perhaps blossom into something more.

Skill Proficiencies: Two from among Arcana, History, insight, Persuasion, Deceptionand intimidation

Tool Proficiencies: One type of craftsmen tool, gaming set or musical instrument

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: One set of traveler’s clothes, a signet, banner or seal representing those whom you serve, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for the retainer background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a servant of your House.

Your bond almost always involves the House which you serve (or at least key members of it), and it is highly unusual for a retainer’s duties not to reflect the agenda, sentiment, or philosophy of one’s House, or to be in their best interest. (unless playing the Dismissed variant)

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’m always polite and respectful, courtly manners and ettiquite deeply ingrained.
2	I belive nobles are inherently better the regular people.
3	I left my old life entirely behind out of shame, and rarely talk about it.
4	I have many tales of courtly intrigue, as well as embarassing tales of nobles getting comeupance.
5	Gaudy displays of riches or stark poverty no longer faze me. I treat everyone equally regardless of wealth.
6	After so long being in service to someone else, I enjoy taking my own time and making decisions myself.
7	I have a sophisticated sense of self, perhaps even arrogant.
8	I am very selfless, attending to others needs before my own.

d6	Ideal
1	Nobese Oblige. It is the duty of those with power and wealth to assist the less fortunate. (Good)
2	Responsibility. I do what I must and obey a noble's just authority. (Lawful)
3	Nobles are just the same as regular people, just having been born into more money. They aren't deserving of any respect until earned. (Chaotic)
4	Coup d'e tat. They must be removed from power. (Chaotic)
5	Climb the ladder. I hope to rise even higher one day, and perhaps become a noble myself eventually.
6	House above all. My master, their house and family and their reputation and well being are all that matter. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I was born into a family that has served another noble family. My entire identity has formed around serving them.
2	My master saved or spared my life. In gratitude i have pledged myself to their service.
3	I was a vagrant with no future unti lmy master lifted my up and gave me a home and purpose.
4	I am (secretly) in love with a member of the noble house whom I serve.
5	Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for.
6	I was unable to right an crime commited against me on my own, but my master was able to deliver justice.

d6	Flaw
1	I lack the education afforded to other noble servants.
2	Such a long time in service has led me to forget my common roots, and I disdain those that seem poor or uncultured.
3	I made a terrible mistake that would cause me to be expelled from my master's service, and I would do anything to cover that up.
4	I secretly lust after my master or another member or the nobility, and would see their family brought to ruin if I thought I would drive them to my arms.
5	I remain loyal to my master no matter what, even when they are violent towards me, cruel to others, ignorant and lazy, or otherwise unworthy.
6	Other members of nobility have spoken out against my master taking in such a common servant, I have begun to feel unworthy of my new position.