For as long as you can remember, you've been a member of the royal family; you grew up alongside the prince(ss), you knew every servant in the palace/castle by name, and people within the upper echelons of your home country's society knew your name, despite the fact that you yourself were not of royal blood.
Why?
Because you were the prince(ss)'s retainer--their personal guardian, whose job it was to keep them safe no matter what.
At least, that's what your job was.
Because for one reason or another, you were cast out, taken from your lord/lady's side, and forced out of the only home you've ever known. Now, you must decide: do you return home and fight your way to your patron? Or do you use this as a chance for freedom, and go on all sorts of adventures?
- Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Perception
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, one toolset of your choosing.
- Languages: You know Common, Celestial, and one additional language of your choosing.
- Equipment: A small pocket-watch with your royal family's emblem engraved on it, an item of some kind that reminds you of the oath you took to protect your lord/lady, a sheath on your belt containing the shattered weapon that was your badge of office, and a pouch containing 20 gp.
What was the reason that you were cast out from your home? Roll a d8 or pick from the table below to get you started.
| d8 | Your Transgression |
|---|---|
| 1 | I was found in a compromising position with my lord/lady |
| 2 | I attempted to apprehend the one I thought was going to assassinate my lord/lady; they weren't. |
| 3 | I was framed for a crime I couldn't have committed. |
| 4 | I was caught drunk in the middle of the court's session. |
| 5 | I refused a direct order from my ruler, even when s/he threatened to have me executed. |
| 6 | I attacked my lord/lady. |
| 7 | I tried to hide my magic from the royal family; then there was an accident and all they saw was a monster. |
| 8 | I don't know why. I was never told. |
You've been a part of the political games of your home-country for as long as you can remember, and as a result, the knowledge regarding the machinations and schemes of most politicians comes easier to you than anyone else. Despite your status as an unknown in other countries, you still recall how these games are played. Surprisingly, your talent for political maneuvering even catches your closest companions off-guard.
You leave Politicians flustered and flapping like birds in a vortex, and this confusion is where you shine and take advantage of their ill-thought-out plans; sometimes, the guy with the stick really is the smartest person in the room.
Suggested Characteristics
Regardless of your relationship with your lord/lady, your life revolved around their whims. Where they went, you followed--when they needed someone to vent to (or at), you were there. As a result of this, much of your personality should be shaped depending on what your relationship with your lord/lady was. Additionally, if you were treated like just as much of a prince(ss) as your lord/lady was, then it would be a good idea to look over the [background]Noble[/background] background for characteristics regarding yourself.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eloquence? Bah--that's for my lord/lady; let me worry about how I talk. |
| 2 | You remember that one servant who went around telling the nobles where they're allowed to go and relishing it? That's me. |
| 3 | Everyone liked to mistake me for the prince(ss) just because of how I carry myself; it was kind of annoying. |
| 4 | I take great strides for my lord/lady--and my lord/lady alone. |
| 5 | I do the dirty-work my lord/lady would never be caught dead doing; someone has to. |
| 6 | Despite my status as a commoner, I like to pretend I'm a nobleman sometimes. |
| 7 | I am the one lazy servant...who also happens to be one of the most important servants. Woo. |
| 8 | I take every situation, no matter how small, as life-or-death serious. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. If you want me to treat you with grace, then I shall; I do not expect the same in return. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. It is my duty to return to my lord/lady's side to protect them, but I must do so through legitimate means. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Improvisation. A large part of the court's game is being unpredictable, and I strive to be a master. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. I only wish to return to my lord/lady so I may be in a position of power again. (Evil) |
| 5 | Loyalty. I am loyal only to my lord/lady or their family. (Any) |
| 6 | Love. I promised my heart to my lord/lady upon my return, and I will not fail them. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will face any challenge to win the approval of my kingdom. |
| 2 | My lord/lady’s safety must be upheld at all costs. |
| 3 | Nothing is more important than the members of the royal family. |
| 4 | I am in love with the heir(ess) of the kingdom my lord/lady's kingdom was at war with. |
| 5 | My loyalty to my lord/lady's family is only matched by my skill with my weapon. |
| 6 | I must return to my lord/lady as soon as possible so I may be there to support them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me. |
| 2 | I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my reputation forever. |
| 3 | I sometimes have trouble facing even the most basic of monsters without quaking in fear. |
| 4 | I have an insatiable desire for simpler pleasures; wine, women/men, etc. |
| 5 | In fact, I feel most at home using my position of power to do anything I want. |
| 6 | If you capture me, it doesn't take much to break me. |
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