You are the last living person of a royal family. Your family has died or gone missing. The kingdom in which you once lived is likely abandoned, though its possible that if your family was disliked that the people still reside there and shunned you from the kingdom in favor of adopting an alternate government. You are the center of attention, everyone seems to know you and seems to like to gossip. You are mostly pitied by others who act overly nice to you. Others however may be unaffected depending on their background.
Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate title. These titles include King/Queen and Prince/Princess, though others may be used You are 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 title, but you should also work with the DM to describe your family and their influence on you.
When and how did you family disappear/die? How does that affect you? Do you still have any authority? Do people still respect your family name and will they treat with such?
What’s your position in the family? Were you the heir to the head of the family? How do you feel about that responsibility? Were you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family? Did 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: History, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: Choice of Calligrapher's Supplies or dice
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a signet ring, the last letter from a member of your family, and a purse containing 25 gp.
Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, People assume you have the right to be wherever you are. Common folk make effort to accommodate you and avoid your displeasure, and other people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social sphere. Though you will see it as an act of pity. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to. You will draw unwanted attention from people, who will attempt to speak to you.
Suggested Characteristics
Nobles are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. Though as the last living they are no longer subject to responsibilities. This can cause chaotic and even narcissistic behavior. They still hold their confidence but nothing to rule to keep them undermined.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world. |
| 2 | The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity. |
| 3 | No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses. |
| 4 | I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions. |
| 5 | I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations. |
| 6 | Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood. |
| 7 | My favor, once lost, is lost forever. |
| 8 | If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. Respect is due to me because of my position, but all people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the representation of my family. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil) |
| 5 | Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any) |
| 6 | Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good) |
| d4 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nothing is more important than avenging the other members of my family. |
| 2 | I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despised. |
| 3 | My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering even in their lacking. |
| 4 | The common folk must see me as a hero of the people. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me. |
| 2 | I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my name forever. |
| 3 | I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger. |
| 4 | I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures. |
| 5 | In fact, the world does revolve around me. |
| 6 | By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family name. |
If your character has this background and your kingdom was abandoned you may select this background feature instead of Position of Privilege.
Most will not seen as any higher than others and you will not draw attention. Though previous residents of your kingdom will still treat you as their superior. They will invite you to stay in their home and will accommodate you into their new place of living best they can.
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