Household Servant

You spent years in service to a noble family, wealthy merchant, aristocrat, or other person of means, working as a maid, butler, valet, lady’s maid, housekeeper, footman, or similar domestic servant. Your duties included the practical (cleaning, cooking, mending, attending personal needs, managing schedules) and the social (maintaining etiquette, remaining unobtrusive, overhearing the rhythms of high society). You know how grand households actually function from the inside—the back stairs, the staff hierarchy, the expectations of both employers and fellow servants.

You might still be in service, have left under good terms with a letter of recommendation, or have departed under more complicated circumstances. The habits and skills of service remain.

Feat: Skilled

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Perception

Tool Proficiencies:  Cook's Utensils

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A set of fine clothes (your formal uniform or livery), a set of common clothes, a letter of reference or small token of service (signet, embroidered cloth, silver button, etc.), a set of cook's utensils, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I notice every detail of a room and the people in it—especially what they leave unsaid.
2	I take quiet pride in a job well done, even if no one notices.
3	I speak softly and only when necessary; I prefer to listen.
4	I have a dry, understated wit that I rarely show to my betters.
5	I treat everyone with the same measured courtesy, highborn or low.
6	Old habits die hard—I still straighten things and clean up after others without thinking.
7	I remember every slight and every kindness done to me or my household.
8	I am unfailingly loyal to those I choose to serve, but I choose carefully.

d6	Ideal
1	Loyalty. My service defines me; I will not abandon those I have sworn to aid. (Lawful)
2	Discretion. Secrets are safer with me than with anyone else. (Neutral)
3	Ambition. Service is a ladder. I intend to climb it. (Any)
4	Compassion. Even the lowliest deserve dignity and care. (Good)
5	Independence. I have spent long enough following orders. Now I choose my own path. (Chaotic)
6	Order. A well-run household—or party—is a beautiful thing. (Lawful)

d6	Bond
1	I still feel responsible for the welfare of my former household or a specific person within it.
2	I carry a secret about my former employers that could ruin them—or me.
3	I left service because someone I cared for was harmed or cast out.
4	A particular noble, merchant, or cleric still expects my loyalty.
5	I owe a debt of honor (or coin) to the household that raised me.
6	I am searching for a missing member of the staff—or for the person who wronged us.

d6	Flaw
1	I defer too readily to anyone who seems highborn or authoritative.
2	I hoard small comforts and resent having to share them.
3	I gossip more than I should, especially about those who treated me poorly.
4	I have trouble saying no to requests, even unreasonable ones.
5	I judge people by how they treat their servants.
6	I still flinch at raised voices or sudden orders.