Royal Scion

You were born into a royal bloodline, raised amid ceremony, intrigue, expectation, and danger. Whether you are heir apparent, a spare child of the crown, a deposed prince, an illegitimate royal, or a ward of a conquered house, your name carries weight. Doors open for you, but so do old wounds, rival claims, and political knives.

Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate title and determine how much authority that title carries. A royal title doesn’t stand on its own—it’s connected to an entire family, and whatever title you hold, you will pass it down to your own children. Not only do you need to determine your noble title, but you should also work with the DM to describe your family and their influence on you.

Is your family old and established, or was your title only recently bestowed? How much influence do they wield, and over what area? What kind of reputation does your family have among the other aristocrats of the region? How do the common people regard them?

What’s your position in the family? Are you the heir to the head of the family? Have you already inherited the title? How do you feel about that responsibility? Or are you so far down the line of inheritance that no one cares what you do, as long as you don’t embarrass the family? How does the head of your family feel about your adventuring career? Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family?

Does your family have a coat of arms? An insignia you might wear on a signet ring? Particular colors you wear all the time? An animal you regard as a symbol of your line or even a spiritual member of the family?

These details help establish your family and your title as features of the world of the campaign.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two skills from the following History, Persuasion, Insight, Deception

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one of the following Gaming set, Calligrapher's supplies, One musical instrument

Languages: Three languages of your choice

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring or Royal Seal, A scroll of pedigree, royal decree, or letter of introduction, and a purse containing 25 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Royals are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. A Royal title comes with a plethora of bonds—responsibilities to family, to other nobles, to the people entrusted to the family’s care, or even to the title itself. But this responsibility is often a good way to undermine a noble.

d6	Personality Trait
1	I speak as though every word may one day be recorded by history.
2	I am gracious in public, even when furious in private.
3	I instinctively look for the chain of command in any room.
4	I believe dignity is armor, and I rarely let mine crack.
5	I was raised among flatterers, so I distrust easy praise
6	I treat servants, soldiers, and common folk with careful respect; they see more than nobles think.

d6	Ideal
1	Duty. My life belongs to my people before it belongs to me.
2	Legacy. I must prove worthy of the bloodline I carry.
3	Reform. A crown that cannot change deserves to fall.
4	Power. Rule is not given; it is taken, held, and defended.
5	Unity. A realm divided invites ruin.
6	Freedom. I was born in a gilded cage, and I will not return to it.

d6	Bond
1	I must reclaim, defend, or redeem my family's throne
2	A loyal retainer, tutor, or guard died protecting me, and I live in their debt.
3	My house bears an ancient oath I am expected to fulfill.
4	I carry proof of a succession claim that could change a kingdom.
5	My people suffer while I am far from court.
6	I love someone my station forbids me to choose.

d6	Flaw
1	I expect others to obey before I remember to earn their trust.
2	I cannot easily admit ignorance or weakness.
3	I am too quick to see disagreement as betrayal.
4	I underestimate people without titles.
5	I am haunted by the possibility that I am unworthy of my name.
6	I would risk too much to protect my claim, reputation, or family honor.