Dunrichian Noble

You are a scion of one of the great noble Houses in the Dunrichian Kingdom on the Emerald Plain of Tresina.  Ruled by the crown, there are eight Human Houses (Quinton, Langston, Brixton, Adley, Kilst, Northcott, Faver, & Helton) and one Elvish House (Rothenel) with who make up the nine Houses of Dunrich.  Dunrichian nobles have a reputation across Dunrich & Tresina for being noble, devout, charitable, and above all chivalrous.  Most of the noble houses, as well the commoners, are ardent followers of Gunder Greathammor (see Tresina Pantheon), and fanatical fans of jousting.  Every holiday or festival generally features one or more jousting events, that never lack stands filled with cheering and adoring fans.

Whether you are a shining example of the reason for this reputation or one who proves the rule by being an exception, people expect things of you when they know your surname and what it means. Your reasons for taking up adventuring likely involve your House in some way: Are you the family rebel, who prefers delving in filthy dungeons to sipping the Lion's Red at a ball or a royal joust? Or have you taken up sword or divine spells (arcane magic being frowned upon) on your family’s behalf, ensuring that they have someone of renown to see to their legacy?

Work with your DM to come up with the House you are part of —there are fourteen lineages in Dunrich, each with its own financial interests, specialties, and desires. You might be part of the main line of your House, possibly in line to become its leader one day. Or you might be one of any number of cousins, with less prestige but also less responsibility.

*This background is very specific to the world of Tresina, and the Kingdom of Dunrich.  A Dunrichian Noble will more then likely be an Elf, Half Elf, or a Human.  Adoption into a Noble House is not uncommon, if you choose to pick a race other then the ones stated, work with your DM to come up with an interesting reason for your family to have adopted you.

Skill Proficiencies: Religion

Tool Proficiencies: Choose two from the following Dragonchess, Calligrapher's supplies or one musical instrument.  You also start with the "Mounted Combatant" feat.

Languages: Elvish or any language of your choice if your race already grants you the Elvish language.

Equipment: A set of fine Dunrichian clothes, a signet ring or brooch of your House insignia, a scroll of pedigree, a skin of fine Lion's Red, and a purse containing 20 gp

Suggested Characteristics

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

Like other nobles, you were born and raised in a different world from the one that most folk know—one that grants you privilege but also calls you to fulfill a duty befitting your station. Your bond might be associated with your House alone, or it could be concerned with another noble House that sides with or opposes your own. Your ideal depends to some extent on how you view your role in the House, and how you intend to conduct yourself in the world at large as a representative of your House.

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 coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
4	Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil)
5	Family & House. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)
6	Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2	My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs.
3	Nothing is more important than the other members of my family and House.
4	I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
5	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
6	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 family 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, actions, and rejection of Dunrichian tradition, I often bring shame to my family.